When Formula 1 and legendary brand identities collide, it often creates some of the most unforgettable liveries in motorsport history. Among these, few have the allure and nostalgia attached to them quite like the iconic Gulf livery. With its unmistakable powder blue and vivid orange colour scheme, Gulf has become synonymous with racing excellence, from the golden era of Le Mans to the high-tech world of Formula 1. Let’s take a deep dive into the fascinating history of Gulf-liveried cars in Grand Prix racing, unlocking stories that every F1 aficionado will savour.
Gulf Oil’s legacy in motorsport dates back to the 1960s, most memorably adorning Ford GT40s in the World Endurance Championship. But the journey into Formula 1 has been sporadic—and all the more special for it. The first appearance of the Gulf livery in F1 came in the 1960s with the British team, but it wasn’t until recent decades that the famous colours truly returned to the pinnacle of motorsport in all their glory. Whether they’re making cameo appearances celebrating anniversaries or featuring more broadly through sponsorship deals, Gulf liveries always demand attention both on and off the track.
Most F1 fans still fondly remember the collaboration between Gulf and McLaren, especially during the 2021 Monaco Grand Prix. For this one extraordinary weekend, McLaren’s MCL35M was adorned with the instantly recognizable colour scheme, captivating fans worldwide. The sultry seaside atmosphere of Monte Carlo, paired with the throwback design, produced a visual spectacle that eclipsed even the usual glamour of the Monaco grid. The livery paid homage both to McLaren’s endurance racing past and to the powerful union of two classic racing brands.
What makes the Gulf livery truly stand out in Formula 1 is its rarity—each appearance is not just a paint scheme but a celebration of motorsport heritage. The 2021 Monaco livery wasn’t the first time McLaren and Gulf joined forces; their collaboration in Can-Am and Le Mans during the 1970s created some of the most successful and beautiful racing machines ever built. In the world of F1, however, the Gulf livery has remained a distinctive sight, cementing its place in the hearts of fans who love nostalgia blended with modern technology.
Beyond McLaren, other teams have momentarily featured Gulf branding—though more subtly. Teams like Williams included Gulf as a technical partner in the 2023 season. While these partnerships may not always result in a full-blown livery overhaul, even the smallest sticker or flash of blue and orange makes an impact. It represents a coming together of past and present: a recognition of endurance racing roots meshed with the high-octane demands of contemporary F1.
For Formula 1, branding and aesthetics are about much more than mere sponsorship. Liveries like Gulf’s tell stories: of innovation, risk-taking, and the relentless pursuit of victory. They serve as living testaments to the heritage that continues to inspire new generations of fans and engineers. When a team sports the Gulf colours, it isn’t just about marketing—it’s about paying tribute to the legends who preceded them and to the passionate supporters who keep the sport alive.
As long as Formula 1 endures, special edition liveries will continue to spark excitement across the paddock—and none can match the magic of the Gulf palette. Whether on classic GT cars or weaving between the barriers of Monaco, Gulf’s colours remind us why we watch, cheer, and fall in love with racing year after year. Their appearances are rare, unique, and always leave a remarkable stamp on the collective memory of the sport—an enduring reminder of motorsport’s bold, brilliant, and beautiful past colliding with its thrilling present.
