In case you missed it, we won’t see Daniel Ricciardo’s grand entrance riding the horse to the Circuit of the Americas again this season. On the good, Formula 1 is back with another triple-header—and this week, the spotlight lands in Austin for the United States Grand Prix. While drivers are seemingly taking their time with unveiling special helmets, we’ve compiled this weekend’s special designs: liveries from Haas to Alpine, and Verstappen’s United States-inspired helmet. Also, a little throwback is due for such a glamorous race like this one!
Since their debut in 2016, Haas has been racing under the American flag. Celebrating the second out of three home races this season, the Kannapolis-based outfit will be sporting a special livery at the Circuit of the Americas—their predominantly black, red, and white coloured livery will be complemented with paintworks of blue and white, along with an eagle and black stars as a tribute to the United States flag. The good news is that the VF-24 will also arrive at the paddock with significant car upgrades in their floor and bodywork. Bold entrance to the track!
In a good and exciting way, McLaren always hints at the obvious—and this time, it’s the revival of their Chrome livery. The fan-favourite iconic chrome livery returns (this time not in Silverstone but in Austin!) with their second edition through McLaren’s ‘Chrome Shines Again’ campaign. The MCL38 will be adorned with a chrome finish predominantly on their side pods and airbox cover—acting as a tribute to their race cars of the past and their partnership with Google. Drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will race with special team kits—obviously, synonymously in hints of chrome.
Alpine is going full Indiana Jones this weekend, so can we collectively agree that we’re more than ready for an adventure? Featuring a predominantly ‘sunset orange’ colour, an ancient map, red travel routes, and the game title decorated on its body, Alpine brings Indiana Jones and the Great Circle to life through their A524. As part of their collaboration with Xbox, Alpine’s special livery celebrates the comeback of the renowned franchise that’s due for December 2024. Be sure to keep an eye on drivers Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon because their race suits will feature a world map with golden notes—well, maybe we’d go treasure hunting!
The United States is holding three different races—and the three-time World Champion will be sporting a special helmet for all three races. Verstappen’s helmet will be replacing his usual helmet with a design that features the United States flag near the bottom and around the helmet. Considering he won three consecutive United States Grand Prix since 2021, a tribute like this does take us back!
Ka-chow! This might not be Grosjean’s best helmet, but fans went crazy over this one-off design. Emblazoning Lightning McQueen from the Cars franchise to Grosjean’s 2019 United States Grand Prix race, this design is a unique take on two different (but pretty similar) worlds. He featured almost everything Lightning McQueen—the number 95, the colours red, blue, and yellow, and the flash logo. Of course, the helmet speaks for Grosjean, too, with 8 as Grosjean’s racing number and the Haas team logo plastered on the side of the helmet.
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