IndyCar on track with a vivid rainbow livery, showcasing futuristic Apple design elements.

Vivid Rainbow Livery: Apple and Designer Daniel Rodriguez Reimagine IndyCar’s Future

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Written by John Oliver

2026-08-17

Apple’s racing enthusiasm is no secret. With Apple TV as the exclusive US home for Formula 1 and Apple funding a movie about Formula 1 that made more money than most actual F1 teams see in a season, it’s clear Apple loves motorsport. Yet, the tech giant hasn’t ventured into IndyCar—a surprising gap in its American narrative, especially given the potential for a vibrant multicolor scheme to make a splash.

The Design: A Vivid Rainbow Livery Unveiled

Designer Daniel Rodriguez offers a vision for Apple’s IndyCar debut with a render of a Dallara IR-18, cloaked in Apple’s iconic design history. The car unites the 1977 rainbow stripes with modern elements like Apple Pay and Apple TV+ branding. It’s an eclectic mix that harmonizes beautifully, epitomizing a striking color palette.

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Colorful IndyCar speeding on a racetrack, highlighting rainbow livery.

The car’s design features clever uses of color. The nose and wing areas display the sharp six-color stripes from 1977, while the sidepods boast a soft gradient reminiscent of current Apple aesthetics. The symmetry from above, with vibrant accents and this design approach, captures a distinct blend of vintage IndyCar and modern Cupertino flair.

Close-up of IndyCar's front wing with vibrant rainbow colors.

Proudly emblazoned on the car’s nose, “Apple Computer” is rendered in Motter Tektura. This quirky typeface, chosen in 1977, echoes the familiar curves of the apple symbol, now wrapped around a modern aeroscreen—creating a stylish touch for typography aficionados.

Cockpit view of an IndyCar displaying an array of rainbow colors.

Rodriguez’s design also nods to sponsorships with a playful twist. The car showcases logos from Apple Pay, Apple TV+, and Apple Podcasts alongside the vintage apple logo, blending decades of corporate design. Real-world IndyCar partners like Bosch and Firestone add authentic touches, grounding this conceptual facade.

Side view of a multicolored IndyCar in a garage setting.

This enterprise isn’t without precedent. In 1980, Apple sponsored a Porsche 935 K3, racing briefly but memorably. That car, revived at Laguna Seca to celebrate Porsche and Apple milestones, inspires Rodriguez’s current concept, asking why IndyCar hasn’t been part of Apple’s racing endeavors, though the colorful theme hints at exciting possibilities.

Mechanic adjusting an IndyCar with striking rainbow colored design.

As IndyCar prepares to introduce the lighter, faster Dallara IR-28 in 2028, the render suggests an opportunity. Apple has heavily invested in Formula 1; perhaps IndyCar could be the next frontier, offering a stage to link its storied past with a colorful, dynamic future showcased by this imaginative design.

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Source: yankodesign.com

Frequently asked questions

What design elements are used in Apple’s IndyCar concept?

The design unites the 1977 rainbow stripes with modern elements like Apple Pay and Apple TV+ branding. The nose and wing areas display the sharp six-color stripes, while the sidepods boast a soft gradient reminiscent of current Apple aesthetics.

Has Apple sponsored any racing cars before?

Yes, in 1980, Apple sponsored a Porsche 935 K3, which raced briefly but memorably. This car was revived at Laguna Seca to celebrate milestones for Porsche and Apple.

Why might Apple consider entering IndyCar racing?

The render suggests an opportunity for Apple as IndyCar plans to introduce the Dallara IR-28 in 2028. Apple could link its storied past with a colorful, dynamic future showcased by this imaginative design.