The 2024 Formula 1 car launches have revealed a significant shift in the appearance of the cars on the track. The introduction of new regulations in 2022 aimed to increase competition and level the playing field. However, unintentionally, it has resulted in the loss of the vibrant and colorful liveries that fans have come to enjoy. Instead, the dominant color on the cars will be black, with only small pops of luminous green, blue, and papaya.
One exception to this trend is the newly-renamed Visa CashApp RB, previously known as AlphaTauri. Their new VCARB 01 model stands out with its bold royal blue design, accented by flashes of red and white on the sidepods. This refreshing alternative to the dull designs of other cars has brought excitement back to the fans.
The shift towards darker liveries is driven by a desire to make the cars as light as possible. Removing the paint from the cars is a highly effective way to reduce weight without compromising performance. It is estimated that fully painting a car currently adds up to 5kg of weight, compared to 6kg in the past when metallic paints were popular. This is because achieving a glossy finish requires an additional coat of paint. Teams are now unwilling to sacrifice such weight to their competitors, opting instead for dark carbon parts that are both strong and lightweight.
The motivation behind this weight reduction is clear when considering the impact it can have on lap times. Every 10kg of weight can cost a car three tenths of a second per lap, a significant margin in the world of Formula 1 where even the smallest fractions of a second can determine the outcome of a race.
Alpine provides a clear example of this shift in approach. In 2023, they painted nearly every corner of their car in blue. However, their new A522 model features 80% of the bodywork in black or carbon. Other teams, including Haas, Sauber, and Williams, have also followed this path.
Alpine’s technical director, Matt Harman, emphasizes the importance of paying attention to every detail to minimize weight. He explains that every gram of the car must contribute to performance, as even small amounts can make a difference. With this new era of Formula 1, the days of the vibrant yellow Jordan or the green and blue Benetton driven by Michael Schumacher are long gone. Black has become the new orange, symbolizing the sport’s evolution.
According to the Source total-motorsport.com