Hendrick Motorsports unveiled the William Byron 2026 NASCAR livery this week, introducing a new design for the No. 24 HP Chevrolet that will appear at several major Cup Series races next year. Almost immediately following the announcement, fans voiced strong criticism of the paint scheme, sparking lively debate across social media platforms.
The official reveal of Byron’s primary livery came just weeks after Hendrick Motorsports, led by Kyle Larson, secured its 15th Cup Series championship, maintaining the team’s presence in the spotlight. The new No. 24 design, to be piloted by William Byron throughout most of the 2026 season, features an all-white backdrop with thin blue stripes running along the sides and rear. HP will serve as the main sponsor for this updated look, designed as part of an organization-wide refresh for the upcoming year.
Hendrick Motorsports announced the scheme on X, stating:
“The 2026 @ZbyHP scheme hits the track next season with a fresh look! You’ll see it in Atlanta and Las Vegas.”
Despite the intent to showcase a “fresh look,” the reaction from fans online was swift and largely negative. Within minutes, users criticized the scheme, most notably one comment that stood out among the replies:
“THIS IS ABSOLUTELY HORRENDOUS.”
Others on social media quickly echoed these critical sentiments, reflecting a broader dissatisfaction with the new livery design.
William Byron enters the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season following a strong campaign that saw him advance to his third consecutive Championship 4. Although Byron’s quest for the 2025 title ended with a tire-related setback in the deciding stage, his consistent performance kept the No. 24 in championship contention all season. Hendrick Motorsports is counting on Byron to remain a cornerstone as the Cup Series transitions into a new format.
Additional 2026 Paint Schemes for Hendrick Motorsports Drivers
In addition to the HP-backed all-white livery, William Byron’s No. 24 team will also field a red-and-black All-Pro Chevrolet during the 2026 Cup Series. This version will appear at select venues including COTA, Kansas City, Talladega, and North Wilkesboro, furthering the team’s partnership with All-Pro across scheduled events.
Meanwhile, Chase Elliott’s set of liveries for the 2026 campaign were also made public. UniFirst will serve as the main sponsor for five races, bringing a vibrant green No. 9 UniFirst Chevrolet to the track. Elliott’s UniFirst car debuts at Darlington on March 22, and will also compete at Martinsville (March 29 and November 1), Richmond (August 15), and Charlotte ROVAL (October 11).
The No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet, sporting its recognizable blue-and-white motif, will remain the centerpiece of Elliott’s lineup and the team’s longest-standing design. This familiar look continues to symbolize the enduring partnership throughout Elliott’s Cup Series tenure and will return for the majority of the 2026 schedule, solidifying its role within the Hendrick Motorsports stable.
What to Expect as Hendrick Motorsports Prepares for the 2026 Season
All four Hendrick Motorsports drivers are set to return to action on February 1 at the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, where the newly unveiled cars, including William Byron’s much-discussed 2026 NASCAR livery, will make their competitive debuts. With the rollout of these updated designs, the team is poised to continue its influence at the forefront of NASCAR, aiming for sustained success despite a sometimes divided response from its fan base. The coming season promises continued innovation on the track, with Byron, Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, and their teammates facing high expectations as well as high visibility within the sport.
The 2026 @ZbyHP scheme hits the track next season with a fresh look! You’ll see it in Atlanta and Las Vegas. pic.twitter.com/iwe8Z96L3o
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) December 10, 2025
THIS IS ABSOLUTELY HORRENDOUS.
— Antonio_Chiefs97 #EGE (@antonio_chiefs) December 10, 2025
