Red Bull have broadly the same philosophy as Ferrari when it comes to car liveries. Every year is an evolution of the same brand colours.
Ferrari’s scarlet red is undoubtedly the most iconic colour scheme in F1. But as Red Bull make more history in the sport, the prestige around their design grows too.
Max Verstappen delivered their eighth drivers’ championship trophy in 2024, and their fourth in succession. While they missed out on the constructors’, finishing third, they’ve won that an impressive six times since joining F1 in 2005.
Red Bull’s livery was conceived as a marketing device, aligning with the energy drink’s logo. But it has taken on an independent, unquantifiable meaning.
Mercedes have taken a different approach. The Silver Arrows were true to their name from their 2010 return until 2020, but they have since raced with a black livery in four of the last five seasons.
Initially at least, this was meant to reflect their commitment to greater diversity and inclusion. Meanwhile, McLaren embraced their papaya heritage under Zak Brown, having spent nearly more than two decades with silver or grey liveries.
Max Verstappen wants to see Red Bull adopt same paintwork as Sebastian Vettel’s old cars
In recent years, Red Bull have moved toward matte blue paintwork as the base of their livery. During Sebastian Vettel’s heyday between 2010 and 2013, the car carried a glossier finish, and a clear purple tint.
Speaking on the Talking Bull podcast, Verstappen called for Red Bull to ‘spice it up’ for 2025 by looking to the past. He was sat in front of three of Vettel’s four title-winning cars, and gestured to the mighty RB9.
Vettel won his fourth consecutive title in the Adrian Newey-designed machine. He took a record 13 victories, matching Alberto Ascari’s for successive triumphs (nine).
In 2025, Verstappen is looking to surpass Vettel’s championship streak. Michael Schumacher (2000-04) is the only driver to win five in a row.
“I am looking forward to seeing my own car, the livery,” Verstappen said. “I hope it’s a bit different. I was actually talking about it today. I actually really like these cars with the shiny colour. We have had so many matte blue cars that it’s sometimes nice to spice it up a little bit.”
Why Max Verstappen has more freedom than F1 rivals during media interviews
Red Bull will present their 2025 livery to fans at the F175 launch event in London in February. The procedure has yet to be announced, but they may be the third-to-last team on stage if organisers go in reverse constructors’ order.
Verstappen hopes he’s ‘sick’ for the launch event, he said on a stream in November. The world champion has typically shown disdain for the ‘show’ around F1.
And he certainly doesn’t hesitate to say what he thinks. Fortunately, this chimes with Red Bull’s media policy.
They allow their drivers to express their true opinions in the media, so long as they don’t damage the brand. And Verstappen has certainly made the most of that unique freedom.
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