The best liveries of the new Formula 1 season

The red light of the new season of Formula 1 is about to go out. The world championship starts this weekend on the Bahrain International Circuit - better known as "Sakhir" - in Manama, where Mercedes will try to impose its law and the pursuers will try to stop the hegemony of the silver arrows that has lasted for 6 championships. The technological improvements have been tested in recent weeks and thanks to the test kilometers it has been possible to see the cars on the circuit for the first time. The liveries of 2020 have many surprises in store, but those of 2021 exceed expectations - for better or for worse.

Ferrari SF21

Ferrari is also fascinating when it chooses shades of red that are not typical of the Prancing Horse. Many Ferrari drivers remain tied to traditions, but the sinuous line of red nuances remains pleasant, an adjective that cannot be used for the color chosen for the sponsor Misson Winnow on the bonnet. But there is an explanation for everything and the same brand that has been on Ferrari since 2018 explained the reason in a video on its Instagram profile. But for Sainz and Leclerc, green or not green, it is the year of truth.

Mercedes W12

Electrifying and elegant, sober and winning. Even aesthetically, Mercedes seems not to be wrong and year after year, albeit without upsetting, it is confirmed as one of the best cars in the race for the seventh consecutive title. Unlike the other years, silver is a bit on the edge while the particular shade of blue on the wing and sides acquires more value. A special feature of the palette chosen in the Stuttgart workshops is the red behind the cockpit. Lewis Hamilton will go in search of the definitive title, not of the world championship but of the "GOAT".

Red Bull RB16B

Out of the box, just like his reference face Max Verstappen. It becomes almost impossible to define the livery of the new RB16B, because every year the novelties eliminate the possibility of a comparison with the previous year. The most striking thing is the effect created by the lines of the new single-seater which many define as "lucidly opaque". While in the studio, during the moment when the veil was removed, it did not give the impression of being exceptional, in Bahrain it has already proved to be one of the most beautiful of 2021.

Alfa Romeo C41

The words of Giovinazzi and Raikkonen almost put pressure on Alfa Romeo which, at least aesthetically, seems to hold up well. The change of "belly" of the car is also reflected in a change of colors, a simple switch compared to last year which, however, changes the scene. Red and white are inverted, creating a fascinating silhouette. For the degree of "Italianness" for the back door, it is one of the two to take sides for.

Aston Martin AMR21

The one that until last year was caressed under the name of Racing Point, this year becomes Aston Martin. The change leads to the inevitable changes of color and lines, with the livery going from the pink of 2020 to the iconic green of the Gaydon house of 2021. Sergio Perez, the driver who brought the RP on the podium last year, has passed at Red Bull and his replacement is called Sebastian Vettel. Even if there is tradition in that shade of green, the thought immediately leads to think of the Caterham of 2013, not exactly a jewel neither in terms of aesthetics nor in terms of performance.

McLaren MCL35M

The presentation generated incredible hype - perhaps more for the return to the Mercedes engine than for the aesthetics - but expectations were disappointing. The livery of the MCL35M - which will be driven by two of the most popular and popular riders like Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo - is practically identical to last year's, with the only variant of the nose in blue. Orange is the dominant color for the second year in a row, with the hope of having very different results from last year.

AlphaTauri AT02

The third "Italian" in the race is definitely the one that has changed her style the most compared to 2020. The AlphaTauri of Pierre Gasly and rookie Yuki Tsunoda adds an elegant and more decisive blue to her look, with a completely different perception when compared with its ancestor. A combination of colors already seen in Formula 1, when the Williams FW32 took to the track with world runner-up Rubens Barrichello and rookie Nico Hülkenberg at the wheel.

Williams FW43B

Speaking of Williams, the new FW43B seems to be very detached from the distant relative of 2010. The new management marks a new era in Williams and the Russell-Lafiti duo is the sign of a project that must be evaluated in a few years, with a little more experience. The talent of the two drivers is undeniable, while the livery leaves something to be desired. The minimal style is hardly suited to the Grove manufacturer, with a mix of blue, light blue, white and orange that clashes a lot when compared to the palettes of the other teams. The only positive note, again in reference to Italian brands, is the Lavazza sponsor on the bonnet.

Haas VF-21

The new version of the Haas not entirely clear. The team is American, but on the car there are clear references to the Russian flag. Partly because of Nikita Mazepin's nationality, partly because the naming sponsor is Uralkali (the most important producer and exporter of potassium in Russia), the machine seems to be a contradiction in terms. The only note that creates hype around the VF-21 is the F1 debut of Mick Schumacher - who perhaps dreamed of a red car and not a Russian one.

Alpine A521

It reads Alpine but pronounced Renault. From France comes the new A521, made famous more for the return to Formula 1 of Fernando Alonso - who will be joined by Sebastian Ocon - than for the technological innovations of the single-seater. The yellow of last year's Renaul is completely gone and inside a two-tone that recalls the French flag. Symbol of patriotism and synonymous with elegance, just like the livery.