The unveiling of a Formula 1 car's livery is a highly anticipated event each season. Over the years, certain designs have become iconic, earning a special place in the hearts of fans. Here are ten retro liveries we think should make a nostalgic return to modern F1 cars.
Renault R26
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Renault R26's blue and yellow scheme is a classic. It was the car that took Renault to championship success in 2006, with Fernando Alonso claiming the Drivers’ title. While Alonso now races for Aston Martin, seeing this livery on an Alpine would be a delightful nod to history.
Jordan 191
Tracing the lineage of Aston Martin back to Jordan, we find the Jordan 191 with its iconic green 7Up design. It marked Michael Schumacher's F1 debut at Spa in 1991 and remains a fan favorite. Imagine this classic look on a modern Aston Martin.
McLaren MP4-23
McLaren's papaya orange has returned, but the 2008 MP4-23's chrome and red livery, which helped Lewis Hamilton to his first World Championship, is equally memorable. The design marked the last Drivers’ title for McLaren until Lando Norris's victory in 2025.
Williams FW14B
Williams has had many memorable liveries, but the FW14B stands out. Its blue, yellow, and white scheme, with Nigel Mansell behind the wheel, dominated in 1992. The striking design, complete with a red #5, is a timeless classic.
Brawn BGP 001
Brawn GP's single-season wonder in 2009, with its simple white and fluorescent yellow design, became legendary. The team, now Mercedes, could pay homage to its roots with a modern version of this livery.
Benetton B186
Known for its vibrant colors, the Benetton B186 dazzled in 1986. With its multi-colored tyres and bright green chassis, it was a visual spectacle. As Benetton evolved into Renault, and then Alpine, this design deserves another outing.
Toro Rosso STR12
The Toro Rosso STR12 livery from 2017, with its royal blue, red, silver, and purple hues, was a fan favorite. Racing Bulls, formerly Toro Rosso, could bring back this vibrant design to modern F1 tracks.
Jordan 198
Jordan's yellow liveries are iconic, especially the 1998 design with the 'Buzzin’ Hornets' motif. Known for its striking hornet imagery, it could add some buzz to today's grid.
McLaren M23
The red and white livery of the McLaren M23 is synonymous with the team’s early success. This design, which saw Emerson Fittipaldi win the championship in 1974, could provide a nostalgic throwback.
Red Bull RB11 (Testing Version)
Though never raced, the 2015 Red Bull RB11's black and white camouflage livery was a clever masterpiece. It would be fascinating to see Red Bull run this design in an actual race.
Formula 1 liveries tell stories of past glories and memorable moments. Reviving these designs could bring a refreshing blend of nostalgia and modernity to today's racing spectacle.