Ranking the new Formula 1 cars from worst- to best-looking

The 2022 Formula 1 season is on the horizon. Sweeping regulation changes have ushered in a new era of car designs - just look at those sidepods - but equally exciting are the unique liveries that've been unveiled ahead of the opening race March 20. Before the lights go out in Bahrain, a handful of theScore's editors ranked the 10 looks we'll see out on the track this year.

Note: We've opted to evaluate each team's primary livery only, leaving Alfa Romeo's camo getup and Alpine's secondary pink number in the pit lane.

10. Haas (VF-22)

One item all of our editors could agree on was putting the Haas car dead last. The American team terminated its lead sponsorship deal with Uralkali, marking the second time in four seasons that it's been forced to change liveries. The less said about the Rich Energy fiasco in 2019, the better. Now, its car is essentially the same as it was before (which wasn't good either), just without the blue. But that's okay - you'll only really have to see it when Haas' drivers get lapped. - Michael Bradburn

9. Mercedes (W13)

The Silver Arrows have returned. The move back to a primarily silver car after a sleek black design in 2021 falls flat. Mercedes should always be held to the highest possible standard considering its track record of excellence, and this design misses the mark. Last year it was Darth Vader, this year it's more like Jar Jar Binks. - Josh Goldberg

8. Aston Martin (AMR22)

The serpent-like color scheme of Sebastian Vettel and Lance Stroll's ride is polished, but there really isn't much difference between this year's livery and the 2021 version that included pink rather than neon yellow with the dark green base. Nice look, but a lack of effort slots Aston Martin in seventh spot, a position it's pretty familiar with. - Bryan Mcwilliam

7. Red Bull (RB18)

Reigning world champion Max Verstappen will look to defend his maiden title this season in a car that's instantly recognizable as a Red Bull. There's value in design continuity, of course, but also ... some apathy? The familiar livery on the RB18 features one key difference from 2021: New title sponsor Oracle has a sizable presence, while the Honda branding that was so prevalent in previous years is all but absent. - Gianluca Nesci

6. AlphaTauri (AT03)

Red Bull's sister team has a better look this season despite taking the back seat to Verstappen and company. The dark blue and white really complement each other, while the sponsor name is very visible. Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda are going to look super stylish after a career campaign for AlphaTauri in 2021. - Tom Ruminski

5. Alfa Romeo (C42)

The relatively standard look for the Italian manufacturer is cleaner and sharper on the new car. The livery is so simple and almost entirely red and white throughout, integrating the sponsorship print into the design seamlessly. The only place where it's not either red or white is the green clover and the subtle inclusion of the Italian flag on the rear wing. It's almost perfect. If only Antonio Giovinazzi were still with the team. Special mention to the camo livery from preseason testing, which also, for some reason, really works. - Bradburn

4. McLaren (MCL36)

McLaren is one of the more exciting teams entering the season and delivered a car that captures the buzz surrounding drivers Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo. Orange and blue are always an elite color combination and work especially well together in this case. - Goldberg

3. Williams (FW44)

Williams wanted to highlight a transition to the future with its new livery design on the FW44, according to team principal Jost Capito, and it nailed it with this gorgeous blue design, which is accompanied by hints of red. The color scheme is fresh and still manages to pay homage to iconic British founder Sir Frank Williams, who died in November. - Mcwilliam

2. Ferrari (F1-75)

There's something comforting about Ferrari producing a visually stunning Formula 1 machine. Having the most iconic livery in the sport can be a double-edged sword; it's hard to get it truly wrong, but every detail is scrutinized. This is a home run, though, with the darker red and black offering a nod to the famed manufacturer's oldest cars. Crucially, this year's edition isn't marred by the off-putting green logo that adorned the engine cover of last year's challenger, the SF21. - Nesci

1. Alpine (A522)

This is a masterpiece that belongs in the Louvre. Alpine hit this design out of the park after rebranding from Renault prior to last season. The bright blue is so vibrant, while the splash of pink complements the primary color so well. The team also plans to switch the colors for the first two races of the season, which means fans should get ready for a very pink alternate car. The French definitely know a thing or two about fashion. - Ruminski