Formula 1 is gearing up for a visual shake-up in 2026 as the FIA has officially approved a fresh set of livery regulations that will change how teams design and present their cars. With the sport already preparing for major technical and engine reforms, the new paint and colour rules aim to make the grid more vibrant, distinctive, and easier for fans to follow.
For years, teams have increasingly turned to bare carbon fibre to reduce weight, stripping away paint layers to gain precious milliseconds on track. As the 2026 cars are expected to be lighter due to new chassis rules, the FIA moved to address concerns that the trend toward “all-black” cars would only accelerate. The solution: a mandatory minimum livery coverage.
Starting in 2026, at least 55% of each F1 car’s surface—when viewed from the side or from above—must be painted or covered with stickers. This closes the loophole that allowed teams to leave wide sections unpainted and ensures cars will retain clear identity, colour, and personality.
The FIA says the goal is simple: improve visual differentiation between teams and enhance the spectacle for viewers. In recent seasons, multiple cars shared similar black-dominant designs, making it difficult for fans to distinguish which team was which at high speed. The new rule pushes teams to embrace colour again without compromising the modern aesthetic of F1 machinery.
The approval of the livery rule came alongside additional updates, including a proposal allowing drivers to change their racing numbers during their careers instead of carrying one fixed number indefinitely. The F1 Commission also endorsed a review of Aerodynamic Testing Restrictions to better match advancements in simulations and cost-control measures.
While the performance impact of a more colourful livery will be minimal, the visual impact on the 2026 season should be significant. Expect brighter cars, more varied designs, and unique team identities that stand out instantly on track. With so many changes arriving in 2026—from new power units to revised chassis regulations—the updated livery rule ensures that the sport’s next era will not only feel different but look different too.
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