Iconic Testing Liveries in Formula 1 History

Pre-season testing is a pivotal time for Formula 1 teams, offering the first real chance to put miles on their new cars. It's also an opportunity for creative expression through special liveries, whether to hide developments, build anticipation for official launches, or simply make a statement. From luminous colors and camouflage to playful hearts, F1 has seen some unforgettable designs over the years. This article revisits eight standout examples.

Red Bull, 2004: A Bold Entrance with Drinks Can Inspiration

When Red Bull entered F1 by acquiring the former Jaguar team ahead of 2005, they were unproven in the sport. To make an impact, their maiden test at the end of 2004 featured a livery inspired by their iconic drinks can. This vibrant design addressed doubters questioning if a beverage company could succeed in racing. Red Bull later adopted their signature darker blue scheme, building a legacy of multiple championships.

Force India, 2008: Striking Burgundy, White, and Gold

Following Vijay Mallya's purchase of Spyker, Force India debuted with flair. The VJM01's end-of-2007 test livery mixed burgundy, white, and gold—a departure from Spyker's orange. This eye-catching look marked their entry before shifting to orange and green, and eventually pink from 2017 onward.

Renault, 2020: Sleek All-Black Simplicity

After returning as Renault in 2016 with yellow and black, the team stripped back to a full black livery for 2020 pre-season testing. The minimalist design was a hit among fans, though they reverted to their traditional colors for the season.

McLaren, 1997: Reviving Historic Papaya Roots

Before partnering with Mercedes for silver cars, McLaren tested in 1997 with an interim papaya orange livery, nodding to their heritage. This color returned for testing in 1998 and 2006, and recently, McLaren flipped to black for the 2026 Barcelona Shakedown, contrasting their current papaya identity.

Spyker, 2007: Luminous Orange Blaze

Spyker's brief 2007 stint followed rebrands from Jordan to Midland. Their pre-season testing featured a dazzling luminous orange livery, toned down slightly for the season. This vibrant hue ensured the team's short F1 chapter remained memorable before becoming Force India.

Williams, 2009: Deep Blue Minimalism

Williams opted for subtlety in 2009 testing at Portimao, covering their FW31 in deep blue instead of the usual blue and white. The clean look was temporary, but blue has stayed as their base color ever since.

Alfa Romeo, 2019: Valentine's Day Hearts and Clovers

Rebranded from Sauber, Alfa Romeo celebrated their 2019 debut on Valentine's Day with a black and red livery adorned with hearts and clovers. Driven by Kimi Raikkonen at Fiorano, it fittingly played on 'Romeo' in their name—a one-off before settling into red and white for five years.

Red Bull, 2015: Pioneering Camouflage

After Mercedes' dominance ended Red Bull's title streak, the team went bold with a black and white camouflage livery for 2015 testing. It cleverly concealed car details and set a trend, with blue camo variations in 2018 and 2019 shakedowns. They returned to traditional colors for the season.

These liveries highlight F1's blend of innovation, history, and spectacle, making testing a visual feast beyond the track.