Race and classic pictures

Toyota’s legendary look returns to where it all began.

To celebrate 40 years of competition at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Toyota Gazoo Racing is reviving the team’s iconic scheme that adorned its cars in 1998 and 1999.

The #7 GR010 HYBRID — driven by Kamui Kobayashi, Mike Conway and Nyck de Vries — will wear a stunning one-off livery inspired by the legendary red-and-white Toyota GT-One that took part in the race in 1998 and ’99.

This striking design fuses past and present, with bold red tones and sharp white flashes that echo the TS020’s unforgettable curves — a nod to both its racing pedigree and its place in pop culture history, thanks to Gran Turismo.

While the #8 car stays matte black, this visual split captures the essence of Toyota’s endurance legacy: always innovating, never forgetting where it started.

As the team chases a sixth Le Mans win, the #7 stands as a rolling tribute to four decades of passion, performance, and pursuit of victory at the world’s greatest endurance race.

©ToyotaGazooRacing

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Mercedes Allison’s big takeaway from F1’s Barcelona test

Mercedes technical director James Allison arrived in Barcelona last week bracing for chaos – and…

8 hours ago

Verstappen rules out F1 management role after retirement

Max Verstappen has made one thing crystal clear about life after Formula 1: don’t expect…

9 hours ago

Williams unveils bold new 2026 livery for FW48

Williams has officially pulled the wraps off the striking new look of its 2026 Formula…

11 hours ago

Newey sheds light on ‘aggressive’ Aston Martin AMR26 design

Aston Martin’s new-era Formula 1 challenger has barely turned a wheel in anger, yet it…

12 hours ago

The Midland M16 - Russia's first and last F1 car

On this day in 2006, the newly-christened Midland F1 Racing team unveiled its first car…

13 hours ago

Haas recruits Doohan as F1 reserve for 2026

Haas has added a fresh splash of Australian flair to its 2026 F1 plans, snapping…

14 hours ago