The American manufacturer explained the choice of the black-and-white two-tone design for its first F1 car. The livery aims to reflect the team’s identity, history, and strategy ahead of its debut.
Cadillac revealed the reasons behind the choice of its two-tone design for the AMR26, the single-seater with which it will debut in the 2026 Formula 1 season, and explained how the aesthetic decision is linked to brand identity, motorsport history, and the intention to project a distinctive image to a global audience before its first appearance in official competition.
The design features a black-and-white split down the middle, a proposal that breaks with the visual tradition of many F1 teams and has drawn attention for its contrast and simplicity. Cadillac noted that the goal was not only to create a striking look but also to represent the team’s core values: tradition, modernity, and a unique vision within the context of top-level motorsport.
According to team representatives, the black color refers to the aesthetics of the brand’s classic race cars and to the idea of strength and restraint they want to convey in their first F1 project. The white, on the other hand, was chosen to balance the composition, with the aim of conveying purity, clarity, and the idea of a new beginning in a sport with high global visibility.
The choice of this combination also responds to a strategic branding approach. Rather than following a visual pattern similar to that of other European or historic teams, Cadillac sought a livery that would be recognizable from a distance and could establish itself as a distinct symbol from day one. The team understands that Formula 1 is not only a sporting competition, but also an international exposure platform, making visual identity a key part of communicating the project.
The team also highlighted that the design reflects a balance between heritage and innovation. The black and white integrate with the car’s technical and aerodynamic elements, while also helping sponsor and partner logos stand out, which are part of the team’s economic ecosystem and its entry into the category.
In addition, the livery was designed to perform well under different lighting conditions and television broadcasts, both in testing and in races. Its contrast makes the car easy to identify from various angles and track conditions, an important factor for brand recognition in a globalized sport.
This two-tone design will be officially unveiled at upcoming launch events for the AMR26, including presentations ahead of the start of the season and media showcases that precede the year’s first tests. For Cadillac, the livery is not just an aesthetic choice, but also a key element in building its identity in its first year in Formula 1.