Verstappen, Perez Swap Helmets as F1 Teams Unveil New Logos for 2026

As the Formula 1 world gears up for the 2026 season, a gesture of sportsmanship and a series of subtle brand changes are making headlines. Former Red Bull teammates Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez have swapped helmets as promised, marking their shared history ahead of competing on track again. Meanwhile, three teams—Mercedes, Haas, and Red Bull—have unveiled minor logo updates, signaling a fresh start for the new regulations.

Why it matters:

These small changes offer a glimpse into the human and commercial sides of F1. The helmet swap is a rare moment of public camaraderie between former rivals, highlighting the respect forged during their four-year partnership. For the teams, logo tweaks often signal a strategic reset or a new chapter, aligning their brand identity with the upcoming ground-rule changes and new partnerships that will define the next era of the sport.

The details:

• Verstappen and Perez's Promise: After four years as teammates at Red Bull, the drivers fulfilled a promise made last year. Verstappen, still with Red Bull, gifted Perez, now driving for Cadillac, an orange helmet inscribed with: "Thank you for being a great teammate and friend."
• Mercedes' New Look: The team is switching its iconic three-pointed star from silver to white for 2026. The move comes as the German giant aims to rebound from a difficult ground-effect era and reassert its dominance under new technical regulations.
• Haas Welcomes TGR: The American team's logo will now feature a 'TGR' abbreviation, reflecting its new title sponsorship partnership with Toyota Gazoo Racing. This marks a significant commercial boost for the team.
• Red Bull's Minor Tweak: The reigning champions also made a slight adjustment to their own logo, shared on social media, though details of the change were minimal.

What's next:

These updates are the first signs of a larger transformation heading into 2026. While Verstappen prepares to defend his crown with Red Bull, Perez embarks on a new challenge with the Cadillac entry. The visual rebranding by Mercedes and Haas underscores the commercial and technical reset that all teams are undergoing in preparation for one of the most significant regulatory overhauls in recent F1 history.