Pole or Pass: Miami's lids and liveries ranked

F1 returns to the 305 for the 6th round of the 2025 season, giving a huge creative opportunity for the teams to make their mark in the US. We've seen impressive styles take to the track in previous years, but will these fresh designs take the top spots?

No. 5

Ferrari

It seems like 2024 all over again for Ferrari with this livery! Last year, the team showcased a now iconic pale blue race suit and matching merch collection. However, when the car's design was revealed, fans were left disappointed. The standard livery was only enhanced with small blue stripes, and frankly, everyone wanted more. This year the team celebrate their title sponsor HP once again, using the colours of the logo to create a sleek, inspired livery. The outcome is very professional, but that's just the problem - it's too professional! I'm unsure if the team is contractually obliged to keep the iconic Ferrari red, or are simply scared to lose it. But either way, it would be incredible to see them fully commit to an idea next time.

No. 4

Mercedes

The general opinion of the Mercedes summer collection, lids, and race suits seem to be very mixed. In Miami, the team have rejected routinely uniformed race suits, in place for abstract patterns and shapes paired with coral pink and mauve. The boldness Mercedes have displayed isn't something the clean-cut industry usually tends to go for, which is why I admire it! Innovation and uniqueness are both qualities consistently ingrained in the Mercedes brand, and the theming around this Grand Prix is evidence for that. Committing to a drastic change from the stylish silver they are best known for is utterly refreshing (Ferrari, take notes).

No. 3

Alex Albon

I'm usually a huge fan of Alex Albon's helmet designs (especially the Panda in Shanghai last year), and this one is no exception! The Williams driver wears Florida's state fruit, the orange, which is adorned with fruit sticker-style sponsors. The creative lid includes a 'Made In Florida' detail on the back, featuring one of the state's best known animals, the alligator. Eagle eyed fans can also spot a $0.23 'sticker', relating to Alex's driver number of 23. It's a simple design, but it's vibrantly impressive and continues to push F1 outside of the box.

No. 2

Lando Norris

After his maiden win at the Miami Grand Prix last year, Lando Norris and the entire McLaren team celebrated in style. To honour this a year on, Lando has returned with one of the most creative lids I think I've ever seen! Obviously this version of the disco ball helmet would not be FIA-approved, so the British driver will run a non-reflective vinyl version over the weekend. Regardless, the concept continues his run of impressive Miami lids (2023's beach ball and 2022's basket ball designs), and will hopefully bring him success on track once again.

No. 1

Visa Cash App Racing Bulls

Taking the top spot in my books are VCARB, running a pink livery promoting the Red Bull Summer Edition drink. Completely contrasting their usual white getup, Liam Lawson and Isack Hajdar have been seen alongside their pit crew sporting an entirely new pink range (which looks great!). The attention to detail even goes down to the car's wheel covers, which resemble the top of a Red Bull can, pink pull tab and all. VCARB have mastered a great special livery that encapsulates the summery vibes Miami embodies, as well as a brilliant marketing campaign for the energy drink brand. 10/10.

Photo credits: "Miami Grand Prix startfinish" by Bassfish22 is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.