ALL THE F1 BRITISH GP SPECIAL LIVERIES UNVEILED SO FAR

The 2026 British Grand Prix should again prove a popular occasion for special liveries among Formula 1 teams.

While just three of the 11 teams are registered as British, the majority of the squads are either de facto UK-based or at least part-based there, and usually not far from British GP venue Silverstone.

Here are the British GP-specific colour schemes unveiled thus far.

McLaren

McLaren's Silverstone design showcases the partnership with its major sponsor Google and specifically Google's AI tool Gemini.

But it references a specific car from the past, the white-and-green McLaren M2B campaigned by team founder Bruce McLaren in 1966.

Cadillac

Though Britain was...a relevant party in the historical event in question, Cadillac's special colour scheme for Silverstone is not British-themed.

Instead, the American team will deploy a stars-and-stripes USA colour scheme to celebrate Independence Day, July 4 - which will align with qualifying day and which this year marks 250 years since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

Williams

Williams's Silverstone livery is a minor update to its primary 2026 colour scheme.

The British GP version of the FW48 will feature a "Union Jack-inspired" palette on the side of the nose structure - and also on the team kit and racesuits.

- The Race Team 

CADILLAC F1 MAKES HISTORY WITH CASSIDY TOWRISS

Cadillac is the first American-owned team in modern history to enter Formula 1, ending a half-century drought. Behind this milestone moment is Cassidy Towriss, and for her designing an F1 car isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a strategic catalyst for how a new American team introduces itself to the world.

Towriss is shaping a livery and helping to define what an American presence in Formula 1 looks and feels like in a global arena long dominated by European sensibilities. The FQ spoke with her to talk about pride, pressure, Detroit, design, and what it takes to build something that lasts. Read more: https://www.thefemalequotient.com/cadillac-historic-f1-entry/

CADILLAC UNVEIL SHAKEDOWN LIVERY

Cadillac unveil their special livery for the pre-season Barcelona Shakedown! 🎨👀

This one-off monochrome design features the names of the founding members of the team, displayed on the nose, ahead of their 2026 livery being unveiled on February 8 👊

- F1

ZHOU JOINS CADILLAC AS OFFICIAL RESERVE DRIVER

 

FERRARI F1 PARTS WAYS WITH RESERVE DRIVER ZHOU GUANYU AFTER 2025 STINT

Zhou Guanyu, Ferrari
Photo by: Erik Junius

Ferrari has parted ways with reserve driver Zhou Guanyu ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season

Ferrari has bid farewell to its 2025 reserve driver Zhou Guanyu as the Chinese driver parted ways with the Maranello outfit ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season.

Zhou joined Ferrari as a reserve driver alongside Antonio Giovinazzi in 2025 after losing his seat at Sauber at the end of 2024. He was also part of the Ferrari Driver Academy from 2014 to 2018.

"Grateful for Zhou Guanyu’s commitment and contribution as Ferrari Reserve Driver this season! Wishing him all the best ahead," the team wrote in a social media post.

The 26-year-old driver had hoped that remaining in the F1 scene would help him secure a seat for 2026, with his main target being the new Cadillac F1 team, which will make its debut as the championship's 11th team this year.

“I do have the hunger to step back in a race seat, a full-time F1 drive,” Zhou told F1.com at the start of the 2025 season. “In terms of the long-term goal, this is very clear and very straightforward. I’m sure everybody knows that.

“But I do think that while you have years like this, [it helps] to be settled down, and still it’s a very important role. It’s not like being a reserve driver that I feel like I’ve been left [out]. I feel like I have a very [big] responsibility with the team.

“You’re there trying to win races, you’re still making your impact, so it’s very important, and everything really matters here. I’m still going to be working hard for that, but if there’s a chance, an opportunity, there’s no doubt I’m going to fight for it, for a comeback."

Cadillac instead opted to sign former Red Bull driver Sergio Perez and Zhou's former Sauber team-mate Valtteri Bottas, leaving Zhou once again without a contract for 2026.

Zhou is yet to announce his next career move after parting ways with Ferrari.

- Lydia Mee