Several F1 teams change branding for 2026 season: Here's what we know so far

Haas: Formalizing the Toyota Gazoo Racing Alliance

One of the most notable branding adjustments comes from the Haas F1 Team, which has officially integrated "TGR" – representing Toyota Gazoo Racing – into its corporate logo. This move cements Toyota Gazoo Racing as a key title partner for the 2026 season, a development that had been brewing behind the scenes and was confirmed late last year. The updated Haas logo now prominently features TGR front and center, with both entities sharing a cohesive colour palette of red, white, and black, aligning their established brand identities.

This partnership is a significant strategic pivot for Haas, a team that debuted in 2016 and has historically operated with a lean model, relying heavily on its technical partnership with Ferrari for power units and other components. While Ferrari will continue to supply their power units, the integration of Toyota Gazoo Racing suggests a broader, multi-faceted collaboration. Toyota, a global automotive giant with a formidable motorsport heritage spanning Le Mans, the World Rally Championship (WRC), and a previous stint in Formula 1 as a manufacturer from 2002 to 2009, brings invaluable technical expertise and financial backing. For Haas, which has often found itself towards the back of the grid in recent seasons, securing a title partner of Toyota’s stature offers a crucial lifeline and a pathway to improved competitiveness under the new regulations.

Team Principal Ayao Komatsu, who took the helm in a leadership reshuffle earlier this year, emphasized the deepening relationship. "It’s naturally a privilege to deepen our relationship with TGR through this new title partnership agreement," Komatsu stated in a press release. He highlighted the tangible benefits already realized through their collaboration: "Our working relationship to-date has been everything we hoped it would be. It’s been evidenced through our successful TPC running this season, but there’s been so much more going on behind the scenes too – including the development and installation of the simulator at our Banbury facility for 2026." The mention of "TPC running" points to collaborative development in specific technical areas, likely powertrain components or simulation tools, crucial for preparing for the new regulatory cycle. This partnership could provide Haas with access to advanced engineering capabilities and resources, potentially elevating their long-term performance trajectory beyond their current mid-to-backfield standing. The current driver lineup of Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg will undoubtedly be looking to leverage these new resources for a more competitive machine.

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Red Bull: A Subtle Visual Cue Amidst Major Structural Shifts

For Red Bull Racing, the changes for 2026 are profound, extending far beyond a minor logo tweak. The team is embarking on a monumental engineering challenge by joining forces with Ford to produce its new Red Bull Powertrains (RBPT) power unit. This move signifies Red Bull’s ambition to become a fully independent engine manufacturer, a venture made even more substantial by Ford’s re-entry into Formula 1 as a technical partner. The financial and technical commitment required for this undertaking is immense, positioning Red Bull as one of the few teams to design and build both chassis and engine in-house, a feat currently achieved only by Ferrari and Mercedes.

Amidst these structural transformations, a subtle yet symbolic rebranding has emerged. The "Red Bull" text within the team’s iconic logo now features a distinct white outline. This design element is not arbitrary; it harks back to the aesthetics of the historic Red Bull Racing RB6, the championship-winning car from 2010. This deliberate reference has sparked considerable speculation among fans regarding potential changes to the team’s livery for the upcoming season, perhaps incorporating more white elements reminiscent of their earlier, dominant designs.

The 2026 season will also see a change in leadership at the helm, with Laurent Mekies set to lead the team. This transition follows the departure of long-standing Team Principal Christian Horner in 2025, marking a significant shift in the team’s operational structure after a period of unparalleled success, including multiple drivers’ and constructors’ championships with Max Verstappen. Mekies, with his extensive experience from roles at Ferrari and as Team Principal of AlphaTauri (now RB Formula One Team), is tasked with guiding Red Bull through the complex integration of the Ford partnership and the challenges of the new power unit regulations. The current driver lineup, featuring reigning world champion Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, will be pivotal in translating these new technical developments into on-track success. The combination of an in-house engine program, a storied automotive partner in Ford, and a new leadership structure positions Red Bull for a potentially transformative, albeit challenging, new chapter.

Mercedes: Reinforcing a Core Alliance

Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, a powerhouse of the hybrid era with eight consecutive constructors’ championships, has also introduced a refined brand identity for 2026. While the changes are subtle, they underscore the enduring strength of a key partnership that has been central to their success. The refreshed logo now features the AMG and Mercedes branding positioned above a more clearly articulated reference to its long-standing title partner, PETRONAS. Crucially, PETRONAS’s name is presented in a new, modernized font, signifying a contemporary evolution of this vital alliance.

The relationship between Mercedes and PETRONAS, the Malaysian oil and gas giant, extends beyond a traditional sponsorship; it is a deep technical partnership focused on developing high-performance fuels and lubricants. This collaboration has been instrumental in Mercedes’ dominance throughout the turbo-hybrid era, providing a competitive edge in power unit efficiency and reliability. The subtle rebranding, particularly the enhanced prominence and refreshed typography for PETRONAS, reaffirms the unwavering commitment of both entities to this successful venture as they prepare for the new engine regulations. Mercedes is currently developing its own 2026 power unit, and the continued technical contributions from PETRONAS will remain paramount.

The team, led by Toto Wolff, has faced significant challenges in recent seasons, particularly with the "zero-pod" concept cars (W13, W14, and W15) that struggled to match the performance of rivals. With Lewis Hamilton and George Russell leading their charge, Mercedes is acutely focused on returning to championship-winning form under the new regulations. The branding adjustment, while minor, sends a clear message of stability and continuity with their core partners, even as they navigate a period of intense technical development and strategic re-evaluation. It signifies a collective vision to overcome recent performance hurdles and write a new chapter of success in the upcoming era.

Williams: A Heritage-Driven Revival

Williams F1 Team, one of the most historically significant outfits in Formula 1 with a rich legacy of nine constructors’ championships, is undertaking a profound rebranding that is deeply rooted in its heritage while signaling a clear vision for the future. The team has notably changed its official designation from "Williams Racing" back to the more traditional "Williams F1 Team," a subtle but meaningful shift that evokes a sense of established gravitas and a return to its foundational identity.

The most striking visual change is the reimagining of the team’s ‘W’ logo. The new emblem is a 21st-century interpretation of the original ‘Forward W concept’ designed by the team’s iconic founder, Sir Frank Williams, back in 1977. This design philosophy, embodying forward momentum and progress, pays homage to the visionary spirit of Sir Frank, whose indelible mark on the sport continues to inspire. This heritage-driven refresh is a powerful statement for a team that has endured significant struggles in recent decades, following its sale to Dorilton Capital in 2020 and subsequent efforts to rebuild.

Team Chief James Vowles, who joined Williams from Mercedes as Chief Strategist, articulated the significance of these changes. "I am proud that from next year we will be known as Atlassian Williams F1 Team and carry a logo on our car inspired by our founder Sir Frank Williams and deeply connected with our decades of success," Vowles stated. The inclusion of "Atlassian" in the team’s official name underscores the deepening partnership with the software company, highlighting a modern, technology-focused approach to their revival. Atlassian, a major player in software development tools, brings not only significant financial backing but also technological expertise that can be integrated into the team’s operational and developmental processes.

Vowles further emphasized the dual focus on the team’s illustrious past and ambitious future: "As a team we are inspired by our past but excited about our future and committed to writing a new Championship-winning chapter in Williams’ history." With drivers Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant currently spearheading their on-track efforts, Williams is actively investing in infrastructure, personnel, and strategic partnerships to climb back up the grid. The new branding, combining a reverence for their storied history with a forward-looking technological alliance, symbolizes their determination to reclaim a competitive position in Formula 1.

As pre-season testing for the 2026 season is slated to commence on February 11, with initial car reveals expected even earlier this month, these newly unveiled brand identities will soon transition from corporate presentations to the global stage. The physical manifestation of these strategic shifts on the new generation of Formula 1 cars will offer the first tangible glimpse into the future direction of these teams as they prepare for a transformative new era in motorsport.

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Jonas Leo: 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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