Cadillac’s monochrome livery impresses F1 fans as 2026 cars become smaller and lighter

Cadillac is joining the Formula One grid this season and is making all the right noises ahead of its on-track debut. The new F1 team has unveiled a special livery for the pre-season Barcelona shakedown. While the livery is only for the private testing event, it has already made a lasting impression and hints at what can be expected from the team in the coming months. The sleek black design instantly received a thumbs-up from F1 fans ahead of the official livery launch in February. Here’s a closer look at the new livery and how the F1 cars this year will be unlike anything seen before.

Fans react to Cadillac’s special livery ahead of final launch

The monochrome design of the livery is predominantly black, with subtle touches of gold that make it visually striking. It features the names of the team’s founding members from the US and the UK on the nose. This is a temporary design created specifically for the Barcelona test, while the final race car livery will be unveiled on February 8.

F1 fans appeared impressed with the introductory design and pledged their support for the new team. One fan wrote on X, “Oh my word, that is gorgeous. Really looking forward to more teams on the grid this year and having Perez back behind the wheel.” Another tweeted, “‘One-off monochrome design’… beautiful.” A third added, “Now this could get me into F1.”

How the F1 2026 car will be unlike anything before

With new regulations coming into effect for the 2026 season, F1 cars will now be shorter, narrower, and lighter. The wheelbase has been reduced, making the cars more agile and responsive for drivers. While the tires will remain 18-inch, they will be narrower, helping reduce drag and overall weight. The small arches above the front tires, previously used to manage airflow, will no longer be present. Instead, the car’s bodywork will play a bigger role in controlling airflow.

Anticipation continues to build with multiple car launches scheduled for this month and next. Red Bull and Racing Bulls are set to unveil their liveries on January 15, with other teams to follow in the coming days. Cadillac becomes the 11th team on the F1 grid, with Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez making a return to Formula One as the team’s drivers.

The 2026 F1 season will begin with three testing sessions: an initial private test in Barcelona, followed by two tests in Bahrain. The season will officially get underway with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 8.

Also read: 2026 F1 calendar: Car launches, test sessions and 24 Grands Prix — here’s the full action timeline

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