The United States Grand Prix isn’t just one of the biggest races on the Formula 1 calendar — it’s also one of the most visually spectacular. Every year, teams use Austin’s bright lights and huge crowds as a stage for bold new looks, one-off designs, and sponsor-themed collaborations.
For 2025, no fewer than five F1 teams — Williams, McLaren, Aston Martin, Haas, and Racing Bulls — have unveiled fresh or special-edition liveries for the Circuit of the Americas (COTA). From nostalgic throwbacks to patriotic flair, here’s everything you need to know about these eye-catching designs lighting up Texas this weekend.
Williams – A 2002 Throwback with Atlassian
Williams has gone retro in Austin, unveiling a stunning 2002-inspired livery that celebrates the early 2000s era of the team’s success — and marks the founding year of partner Atlassian, their technology sponsor.
The livery blends classic white and metallic blue with subtle silver detailing, evoking memories of the BMW-powered FW24 that Juan Pablo Montoya and Ralf Schumacher raced back in the day. It’s a clever piece of storytelling — linking Williams’ historic excellence to its ongoing technology partnerships.
Atlassian logos are more prominent than usual, and the team says the design represents “innovation built on heritage.” While Williams’ performance in 2025 has been mixed, the new look ensures they’ll stand out on and off the track this weekend.
McLaren – Chrome Meets Gemini
Few teams embrace special liveries quite like McLaren, and for the United States Grand Prix 2025, they’ve gone all in again — this time with a Gemini-inspired chrome design.
Created in collaboration with Google to celebrate their AI model Gemini, McLaren’s COTA look fuses futuristic blues and purples into their trademark papaya base. The result is a metallic, almost iridescent finish that changes hue under different lighting — a direct nod to the innovation and adaptability both brands champion.
Team principal Andrea Stella described it as “a livery that reflects both speed and intelligence.” The partnership feels like an extension of McLaren’s identity as an engineering-tech powerhouse. And with the team fighting for both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ titles, this shimmering design might also be a symbol of confidence — McLaren literally shining at the top.
Aston Martin – Science Comes to Life
Aston Martin’s special Austin edition blends science, data, and design. Created alongside title sponsor Aramco, the new look overlays the team’s traditional British racing green with white mathematical formulas and energy diagrams that snake across the bodywork.
The design celebrates the “hidden science” behind F1 performance — aerodynamics, chemistry, and fuel innovation — with Aramco engineers reportedly contributing to the visual concept. It’s unlike anything the grid has seen before: a literal fusion of art and engineering.
The effect is subtle yet sophisticated. In daylight, the silver scientific markings shimmer faintly against the green base, giving Aston Martin’s car an intelligent, data-driven aesthetic perfectly suited to its brand. It’s also a statement — a reminder that Aston Martin’s future success will rely as much on technological partnership as on raw speed.
Racing Bulls – Charging Forward with an American Twist
Racing Bulls — Red Bull’s sister team — is making perhaps the boldest artistic statement of all in Austin. Their special U.S. Grand Prix livery features a mix of deep blue, bright red, and silver, wrapped in a design inspired by American pop art and street culture.
The scheme, developed with team sponsor Visa, highlights geometric bull horns and star motifs, referencing both the Texas longhorn iconography and the team’s “Charge Forward” marketing theme.
Team principal Laurent Mekies said the one-off design is “a symbol of youthful energy and our growing connection to the American market.” The car’s bright palette will contrast sharply against the neutral Texas tarmac — a reminder that Racing Bulls, while still building their identity, are unafraid to take bold creative risks.
Read about Haas F1 Team United States GP livery in one of our previous blogs
Why These Liveries Matter
At first glance, livery changes might seem cosmetic, but in modern Formula 1, design and storytelling are powerful tools. Here’s why they matter:
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Brand storytelling: Each livery connects to a deeper narrative — Williams’ heritage, McLaren’s technology, Aston Martin’s science, Haas’ patriotism, and Racing Bulls’ youthful ambition.
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Fan engagement: Unique liveries generate social buzz, inspire limited-edition merchandise, and deepen emotional ties with supporters.
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Sponsorship value: Special designs give partners more visibility and marketing activation opportunities, especially in markets like the U.S., where F1 continues to boom.
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Cultural relevance: By aligning with American themes, tech partners, or scientific storytelling, teams reinforce their adaptability and creativity off the track.
The Verdict: Who Wins the Style Race?
While beauty is subjective, we are leaning toward Williams’ retro tribute and Aston Martin’s science livery as the standouts — with McLaren’s Gemini chrome concept not hitting the spot for us, while Haas’ Stars & Stripes will undoubtedly be the crowd favourite. Racing Bulls, meanwhile, went for energy and innovation.
The cars will look stunning under the Texas sunset as they roar through COTA’s sweeping Esses and up that iconic Turn 1 hill. Whether it’s chrome reflections or patriotic flashes, this year’s United States Grand Prix will be a visual feast long before the lights go out.
