ADVENT CALENDAR DOOR 8 – The 8 best Indycar liveries of the 2020s

This is truly an opinionated list as we have had so many truly great liveries in the past 6 seasons that it is a struggle to only narrow it down to an esteemed top 8 list but I have done my best to do so. 

5 Honourable Mentions

• Pato O’Ward’s 2025 IMS 500 Livery
• Graham Rahal’s 2025 IMS Road course Livery 
• Alex Palou’s 2022 IMS Road course Livery
• Pato O’Ward 2022 Full Season Livery
• Graham Rahal 2022 Sebring Test Livery

#8: 2021 IMS 500 livery of Scott McLaughlin

Known as the ‘yellow submarine’ this livery on the Pennzoil Penske #3 definitely catches the eye on and off track. I feel its definitive colour scheme and the way the bright yellow colour just pops and contrasts the dark grey tarmac just makes it impossible not to include in this list. Although, I will say this suits the Indy 500 car model far better than the other car models due to the streamlined feel. 

#7: 2023 IMS 500 Open Test – Takuma Sato

This livery of the #11 American Legion Chip Ganassi machine of Takuma Sato has such a clean sort of elegance. Its streamlined feel once again works effectively on the IMS 500 chassis. The dark blue contrasting with the white and the layout of the livery itself being neat and simplistic really sets it apart. I especially like the livery towards the rear of the car with the design fading into the shark fin look so sleek which completes a classic and refined livery look which is why it’s such an incredible livery.

#6: 2023 IMS Road course – Josef Newgarden 

This livery was driven multiple times in 2023 and each time it impressed. With one of the simplest and plain designs and colour schemes you will ever see it makes up for this in the construction of the livery which is so effective and pleasing on the eye. The use of bright red lines to cut through the main 2 colours really makes or breaks this livery’s ultimate look but it is done purposefully and works a treat. 

#5: 2024 Marcus Ericsson Full Season Livery

The #28 Andretti Global livery of Marcus Ericsson is the first of my top 5 picks. I particularly enjoy this livery because of the colour scheme. As you can probably tell I am a dark blue/white colour wave enjoyer. What separates this from the rest, is the addition of the Mint colour for some freshness and to make the whole livery pop altogether. Overall, I just feel like it’s an addictive livery to enjoy spotting constantly on track. 

#4: Will Power 2024 Full Season Livery

This Verizon #12 Penske livery of Will Power in the 2024 was an absolute banger of a livery overall. Again a livery that doesn’t overcomplicate things and instead sticks to principles. Using the black/red/white colour combination will generally result in a successfully good looking livery nine times out of ten and this is no different. I like the amount used of each colour because this moulds perfectly into the overall livery and contributes to the stunning looks. The separation of the colours into levels on the car – black on the bottom,white middle and red top from the cockpit and backwards,makes it clean and not messy with the clear definitive borders. It is a classic looking livery that isn’t one that catches eyes but more a livery that you can appreciate for its iconic image. 

#3: 2025 Alex Palou’s Alabama GP Livery

The first livery in the top 3, is a special livery in this year’s race at Barber Motorsports Park, Alabama from the #10 Chip Ganassi of Alex Palou. This livery is truly a motorsport classic and was a celebration of Honda and Ganassi’s winning partnership. This livery was prior seen at a HRC crossover event in which Yuki Tsunoda ran it on his first test of an Indycar before its use by Palou. Appealing and stunning with an iconic honda colour scheme of blue,red and white which just fits perfectly alongside each other. The livery design heading towards the rear of the car is for sure a highlight on this livery that breathes heritage.

#2: 2022 Marcus Ericsson’s IMS 500 Livery

Just missing out on top spot, is one of fav liveries from the 20s for multiple reasons. The Huski Chocolate #3 Chip Ganassi of Ericsson starts off strong with a prominent title sponsor on the engine cover. I simply enjoy this not only cause they coloured it red creating perfect contrast but also the font is super appealing. This livery definitely works better on an IMS chassis due to its streamlined sleekness. Whether it’s up close or far on track, you always get a good view of it in all its glory in its bright red and white colour scheme. Furthermore, this livery is draped in history having won the famous Indy 500 in 2022 with Marcus placing this livery even further on the map.

#1: 2025 Graham Rahal’s Thermal Club Livery 

There are so many superlatives I can use to describe this livery. This livery is perfect in so many ways and the #15 RLL designers aced this. The colours are evidently a match made in heaven with white as the base with aspects of blue,red and black accents throughout the livery. The biggest addiction I have to this livery arises through its Mobil 1 sponsorship on the engine cover. It’s stunning style creates a nostalgic and classical feel reminding me of the many timeless motorsport liveries with this design. It is a clear No1 for me and I question whether we will get a beautiful livery like this appearing again in Indycar anytime soon?

Which one is your favorite livery of that time? Share your thoughts with us!

written by Taegan Hignett / Media Credit: Penske Entertainment