McLaren – MCL39

McLaren’s 2025 challenger is the MCL39, continuing their long-standing sequential naming convention. The “MCL” prefix stands for “McLaren,” while the number 39 signifies the 39th unique chassis design produced by the team since their first Formula 1 car in the 1960s.

Historically, McLaren’s naming approach has changed. Under Ron Dennis, they used “MP4” (Marlboro Project Four), a nod to the merger between McLaren and Dennis’ Project Four Racing. This resulted in legendary cars like the MP4/4, which dominated the 1988 season with Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost.

The team transitioned to the “MCL” prefix in 2017 after splitting from long-time sponsors and has since kept the numerical sequence intact. An only exception was the MCL60 in 2023, which celebrated McLaren’s 60th anniversary. However, they quickly returned to their normal pattern with MCL38 in 2024 and now move forward with MCL39.

Ferrari – SF-25

Ferrari’s 2025 car is named SF-25, following a structured approach introduced in recent years. The “SF” stands for Scuderia Ferrari, emphasizing the team’s identity as the racing division of Ferrari, while 25 refers to the 2025 season.

This pattern has been in place since 2015 but in the past, Ferrari has experimented with various naming conventions. Some models, like the F2004, simply incorporated the year, while others, such as the F138, combined references to both the year (2013) and the last season of V8 engines. In 2022, Ferrari briefly deviated from their usual pattern with the F1-75, marking 75 years since the company’s founding. Despite these variations, the current “SF-Year” format has provided consistency since the mid-2010s, and the SF-25 follows this trend.

Red Bull Racing – RB21

Red Bull maintains its no-nonsense naming strategy with the RB21 for the 2025 season. The “RB” prefix has been a staple since the team’s debut in 2005, directly representing Red Bull Racing. The number 21 indicates the 21st car built by the team since their entry into Formula 1.

Red Bull’s naming convention has remained almost entirely linear. The only exception came in 2021, when they labeled their car the RB16B instead of RB17. This was because the car was an evolution of the RB16 from the previous season rather than an entirely new chassis. Otherwise, Red Bull has never strayed from its straightforward system, reinforcing a strong brand identity without unnecessary complexity.

Mercedes – W16

Mercedes continues its traditional naming approach with the W16 for 2025. The “W” stands for “Wagen,” the German word for car, a designation that dates back to the 1930s when Mercedes’ legendary Silver Arrows competed in Grand Prix racing. The number 16 marks the 16th Formula 1 chassis built by Mercedes since returning as a works team in 2010.

This naming convention aligns with Mercedes’ historic engineering philosophy. The first car under this system was the W01 in 2010, following Mercedes’ takeover of Brawn GP. Some of their most dominant machines, like the W05 Hybrid (which ushered in the hybrid era in 2014) and the W11 (Lewis Hamilton’s record-equalling title-winning car in 2020), have carried the “W” prefix. Despite small design changes each year, Mercedes remains committed to this numerical sequence.

Aston Martin – AMR25

Aston Martin follows a straightforward naming format, with their 2025 car called AMR25. The “AMR” stands for Aston Martin Racing, linking back to their endurance racing heritage, while 25 denotes the year of competition. This system has been in place since the team rebranded from Racing Point to Aston Martin in 2021, with the AMR21 as their first entry under the name.

Before adopting this format, the team had used varied naming conventions, including the “RP” (Racing Point) prefix and “VJM” under its previous Force India ownership. Since becoming Aston Martin, the AMR naming has provided consistency, reinforcing the brand’s motorsport identity across different series.

Alpine – A525

Alpine continues with its distinct A525 designation in 2025. The “A” stands for Alpine, aligning with the French manufacturer’s brand identity. The number 525 is a combination of two elements: the “5”, representing the ongoing series started when Alpine rebranded from Renault in 2021, and “25”, indicating the 2025 season.

This naming approach keeps Alpine’s F1 cars aligned with their road and endurance racing models, many of which carry the “A” prefix. Prior to the rebrand, Renault had experimented with names like the R.S.20 (Renault Sport) and R25 (a reference to their title-winning car in 2005). The Alpine A5XX series ensures continuity while differentiating the team from its past as Renault.

Haas – VF-25

Haas remains consistent with its VF-25, following a naming tradition set from the team’s debut in 2016. The “VF” stands for “Very First,” a reference to the first CNC machine developed by Haas Automation, the company founded by team owner Gene Haas. The number 25 represents the 2025 season, continuing the straightforward sequence established with the VF-16 in their inaugural year.

Haas has never deviated from this system, keeping its car names simple and in line with the engineering heritage of the Haas brand. While some teams have altered their naming patterns for marketing reasons, Haas remains dedicated to its industrial roots.

Sauber – C45

Sauber, competing as Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber in 2025, retains the C45 designation. The “C” honors Christine Sauber, the wife of team founder Peter Sauber, a tradition that dates back to the team’s earliest racing cars. The number 45 marks the 45th chassis developed by the team.

Sauber has consistently used this naming structure, even through its years as Alfa Romeo. The C37 to C43 series ran during their Alfa partnership, and now under new branding, the tradition continues. However, with Audi set to take over in 2026, the “C” prefix may soon be retired.

Williams – FW47

Williams’ 2025 car is the FW47, continuing a long-standing tradition. The “FW” stands for Frank Williams, the legendary founder of the team, and the number 47 represents the 47th chassis designed by Williams since its inception.

This convention dates back to the team’s early years, with iconic cars like the FW14B, which dominated the 1992 season with Nigel Mansell. Despite changes in ownership and branding, Williams has remained committed to honoring its founder through its car names.

Racing Bulls – VCARB 02

The newly rebranded Racing Bulls have named their 2025 car VCARB 02. The “VCARB” stands for Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, reflecting the team’s new identity under Red Bull’s junior outfit. The number 02 marks the second car produced under this branding. Previously known as AlphaTauri and Toro Rosso, the team used “AT” and “STR” prefixes before the switch to its new commercial identity.