Jonas Leo
The distinctive pink livery that defined a memorable era for the Silverstone-based Formula 1 team, Force India, and later Racing Point, owes its unexpected existence to a pivotal referral from Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, according to former team boss Otmar Szafnauer. Szafnauer, who led the team through its vibrant pink years, recently shed light on the fascinating origin story during an episode of the High Performance Racing podcast, revealing that Best Water Technology (BWT) initially sought a sponsorship deal with the dominant Mercedes outfit before being redirected.
The narrative began with BWT CEO Andreas Weissenbacher, who, after attending a water technology trade show in Frankfurt, conceived the idea of a striking pink colour scheme. Weissenbacher observed that nearly every competitor in the water filtration industry predominantly used blue branding. His strategic insight was that pink offered a unique and immediate way for BWT to differentiate itself and achieve significant brand recognition within a crowded market. This bold vision set the stage for an unconventional entry into the world of Formula 1.
BWT’s initial approach in the mid-2010s targeted the reigning Formula 1 Constructors’ Champions, Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team. At the time, Mercedes was at the zenith of its modern F1 dominance, having secured multiple consecutive world titles with its iconic silver cars. The proposal to adorn their championship-winning machinery in a vibrant pink was met with firm resistance from the Mercedes board. "The Mercedes board said, ‘We’re the silver arrows, not the pink arrows,’" Szafnauer recounted, capturing the steadfast brand identity that defined the German manufacturer’s racing heritage. Despite the lucrative nature of a potential sponsorship, the prospect of altering their legendary silver livery proved to be a non-starter for Mercedes.
However, rather than allowing a significant potential sponsor to exit Formula 1 entirely, Toto Wolff, known for his astute business acumen and commitment to the sport’s broader ecosystem, intervened. Recognising the commercial value BWT brought to the sport, Wolff chose to facilitate a connection rather than simply dismiss the opportunity. "Toto said, ‘Well, instead of you just leaving Formula 1, how about you go talk to Otmar? I’m sure he’ll do it for you,’" Szafnauer revealed, detailing the crucial moment that rerouted BWT’s F1 aspirations towards Force India. Szafnauer confirmed that Wolff did not receive any financial compensation for this introduction, although he humorously admitted to having bought the Mercedes chief a meal as a gesture of gratitude.
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For Force India, a team renowned for punching above its weight despite often operating on a comparatively modest budget, the prospect of a major title sponsor like BWT was transformative. The team, which traced its lineage through various guises including Jordan Grand Prix, Midland F1, and Spyker F1, had established a reputation for engineering efficiency and solid on-track performance since its rebranding in 2008 under Vijay Mallya. However, consistent financial stability remained a perennial challenge.
The decision to adopt a full pink livery was a significant commitment for Force India. Szafnauer faced a high-stakes gamble, requiring him to initiate the rebranding process – including the painting of the cars – even before the final contract with BWT was officially signed or any funds had been transferred. "Within two weeks of talking to Andreas, I had to decide. We hadn’t signed the contract yet, he had paid us no money, and I had to decide whether to paint the cars pink for Melbourne or not," Szafnauer explained, highlighting the immense trust placed in Weissenbacher’s word. The team traditionally incorporated the colours of the Indian flag into its livery, and replacing this national emblem with a bold, corporate pink represented a substantial strategic shift and a calculated risk.
The gamble paid off. BWT proved true to its word, the contract was formalised, and the payments followed, ushering in the iconic pink era. The Force India VJM10 made its debut in the striking livery at the 2017 Australian Grand Prix, instantly becoming one of the most visually distinctive cars on the grid. This bold aesthetic choice immediately achieved Weissenbacher’s goal of standing out, making Force India instantly recognisable to casual viewers and deeply embedded in the sport’s visual lexicon.
The 2017 season marked one of Force India’s most successful periods on track. Piloted by the strong pairing of Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon, the team consistently delivered impressive performances. Perez, known for his ability to maximise opportunities and deliver points, and Ocon, a rising talent, formed a formidable partnership. The team secured a commendable fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship in 2017, matching its best-ever finish from the previous season. The vibrant pink cars became synonymous with a plucky, competitive spirit, frequently battling with larger, better-funded teams and securing strong points finishes. This success demonstrated that the visual impact of the new livery was matched by the team’s continued on-track prowess.
The BWT partnership continued through a turbulent period for the team. In mid-2018, Force India entered administration due to financial difficulties. A consortium led by Canadian businessman Lawrence Stroll acquired the team, leading to its rebranding as Racing Point Force India for the remainder of the 2018 season and subsequently as Racing Point F1 Team from 2019. Despite the change in ownership and identity, the iconic pink livery, with BWT remaining a prominent sponsor, was retained. This continuity underscored the success and recognition the pink branding had achieved.
Under the Racing Point banner, the pink cars continued to be a fixture on the grid. The 2020 season, in particular, saw Racing Point enjoy significant success, often dubbed "the pink Mercedes" due to its car’s visual and conceptual similarities to the championship-winning W10. The team, with drivers Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll, secured a memorable victory at the Sakhir Grand Prix with Perez, marking the first win for the Silverstone-based outfit since Jordan’s triumph in 2003. This victory, achieved by a pink car, further cemented its place in Formula 1 lore.
BWT’s relationship with the Silverstone team concluded when Racing Point transformed into Aston Martin F1 Team for the 2021 season, adopting a more traditional British racing green livery. However, BWT’s commitment to Formula 1 and its distinctive pink branding endured. The company subsequently moved its primary sponsorship to Alpine F1 Team, where elements of the pink livery continue to feature prominently on their cars and driver overalls, particularly in specific races. This enduring presence across multiple teams is a testament to the effectiveness and recognition gained from that initial, somewhat audacious, decision to embrace pink.
The story of Force India’s pink era stands as a compelling example of how a commercial decision, facilitated by a rival team principal’s foresight, transformed a team’s identity and left an indelible mark on Formula 1’s visual landscape. What began as a strategic move by a water technology company to stand out in its own industry translated into an instantly recognisable and beloved livery in one of the world’s most competitive sports, all thanks to a calculated gamble by Otmar Szafnauer and a timely referral from Toto Wolff.
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Author Profile
- Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.
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