Opinion: What I Think Of F1 Car Liveries In 2023

We're nearly there folks. The F1 pre-season is well under way and the 2023 challengers have appeared from under their covers. It won't be long and we'll soon see them gracing the Bahrain International Circuit for pre-season testing. But, what do I think of the liveries and cars for the 2023 season? Let's find out.

Haas

The first team to launch their car in 2023 was Haas on January 31st via social media. Earlier in the year, Haas teamed up with MoneyGram to become the "MoneyGram Haas F1 Team." With a new sponsor on board it was all indicating to a possible new livery for 2023 and, although similar to past liveries, there were definitely some very noticeable differences.

The new livery? I quite like it. I think that it's the nicest Haas livery to date. It looks sleek and simple but smart. There's also a lot of black, or "naked Carbon," on show which could indicate that the team are either saving weight or going for a different aerodynamic setup.

With Haas they tend to be quick at the start of the season and then just disappear after a few races. It would be nice if they could be regular point contenders because it is a lovely looking car.

Red Bull

The second car launch took place on February 3rd in an "extravagant" launch ceremony in New York City. Red Bull went with a location in the USA due to the announcement of a new partnership with Ford Motors that will begin in 2026.

With Max Verstappen, Sergio Perez, Daniel Ricciardo and Christian Horner in attendance; the curtain was lifted to reveal - drum roll please - the same livery as previous years. But are we really surprised by this? I think not. The Red Bull team have been racing in Formula One long enough now for fans to expect the same livery year after year. However, I've always liked the Red Bull livery so I have zero complaints. Let's not forget though their epic camo and testing liveries from the past. When Red Bull do change it up, they really change it up.

Williams

Williams were the third team to debut their car and, like Haas, went with the social media approach with the car appearing on the team's social media pages on February 6th.

This livery is similar to last years but has some subtle differences. I like the different shades of blue. I think they go really well together. The side pods are an interesting shape also. And, we can't forget the Duracell battery on the roll hoop/air intake. I love it. Such clever marketing and PR. Overall, the Williams is a very slick looking car.

Alfa Romeo

The fourth car to make it's long awaited debut was the Alfa Romeo which was introduced in front of a live audience - not too dissimilar to Red Bull's extravaganza, just on a lesser scale. The cover was pulled off by drivers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu. And, with an approving nod by Zhou himself, the 2023 Alfa Romeo challenger was here.

I do think that it's a very smart looking car. It reminds me of a Cherry Cola Bottle sweet. Random, I know. I love the black and the red, I think it really compliments the shape. It’s nice they’ve gone in a different direction to their previous liveries. But, I can guarantee you now, it won’t be long before I mistake it for a Ferrari.

Alpha Tauri

With Alpha Tauri's launch came everyone's fears that we were about to embark on yet another Red Bull type launch, especially as Alpha Tauri is Red Bull's sister team. But, to our surprise, it was more of a "blink and you'll miss it" type of launch with a short video aired live on Youtube. The complete opposite of our expectations. And, to be honest, that wasn't the only thing to take us by surprise. Alpha Tauri has always produced what is, in my opinion, a stunning livery, but this year? That wasn't happening.

I’m disappointed that I’m disappointed in this one. Like other teams, it's not too different from their 2022 livery - one that I liked. But, this one? There's just something about it which is odd. Maybe it's the inverted colour scheme? Maybe it's the larger than usual logo? I don't know. However, the addition of the red logos doesn't bother me. It gives me Toro Rosso vibes - especially the rear wing. This livery is AT's worse yet. Let’s just hope it’s fast.

McLaren

Next up was the team from Woking and, I think, the majority of F1 fans were expecting the traditional "papaya" look with this one. Did we get that? Yes, but no.

Ok, hear me out. This car looks incredible. Again, a very similar design to last year but this time with very noticeable differences. I love the carbon fibre look, really makes the papaya pop. The blue looks really good on it, as well. It’s a very smart looking car. The brightest on the grid. Definitely a big fat 10, for me.

Aston Martin

Another launch livestreamed to the internet was that of Aston Martin's. The car was launched on February 13th. Just mere moments after the McLaren.

Let's be honest, it's literally an exact copy of last year’s car. But, that’s ok because it’s still hella good looking. For 2023, the team have used such a handsome green colour and the neon yellow racing stripe really compliments the car. It completes the livery. I'm not usually an Aston Martin fan but they have a good looking car and Fernando Alonso as one half of their driver line up. Are amazing things on the cards for the team from Silverstone?

Ferrari

Ferrari seemed to be every F1 fan's Valentine this year as the car was launched in Italy, in front of many fans, on Valentines Day. Ferrari did their launch just right. It wasn't "extravagant" like Red Bull's, or low-key like Haas's, it was just perfect. With fans invited and live demos of the new car itself, what wasn't to like?

The launch wasn't the only thing Ferrari got right. The car was stunning. One thing you can guarantee in F1 is the Ferrari will be red. You can’t expect any different. However, this red does seem to be more vibrant than previous years. Again, the team have opted for the "naked" carbon fibre look but there is still enough colour for the car stand out from the crowd. In regards to the shape, the rear wing is looking fineeeee.

Mercedes

One launch that had fans buzzing was the launch of the 2023 Mercedes challenger. Would it be black, or would it be silver?

It's black! Are we really that surprised? It seems to be a running theme this year. But despite that, it looks so, so smart. Sometimes little is more, right? I like the neon coloured numbers. Really pops against the carbon. Maybe, just maybe, I would have added a little more colour? Other than that - fire.

Alpine

Last, but not least, came Alpine with a launch that could have rivaled Red Bull's. However, the team had already taken to the track just mere days before so I think we all knew what livery was coming.

And, surprise, surprise, it was the livery we were all expecting. Again, there is visible carbon fibre and I do actually quite like that look. The only thing I really dislike? The driver number on the back. It's not in a very good place. Especially when the cars are racing around at 200mph. But overall, not too shabby.

But wait!

Alpine gifted us with a second livery. A pink one! It looks good but I definitely prefer the blue and pink; it's more colourful!

So, there we have it. Our class of 2023. And, initial thoughts are relatively promising. I know that on social media a lot of fans have been unhappy with teams repeating liveries from previous seasons, as well as many teams going with the visible carbon fibre. But, sometimes, we need to remember that these teams are brands and brands don't regularly change up their branding. As for the carbon fibre, I think with current regulations, this was to be expected at some point. But like I've already mentioned, I like it and I think the teams have done some excellent jobs incorporating it into their liveries.

So, which do I like the most? Which do I like the least? Let's find out!

1) McLaren 2) Ferrari 3) Williams 4) Aston Martin 5) Blue and Pink Alpine 6) Red Bull 7) Mercedes 8) Haas 9) Alfa Romeo 10) Pink Alpine 11) Alpha Tauri

This was really difficult to categorise. I, personally, feel as if it's a strong livery contest this year. Many people will have a different opinion. The McLaren is way ahead of the others. It's my favourite. Alpha Tauri? I feel almost sad putting them last. But, it is what it is.

What's your favourite livery? Let me know in the comments below!