Red Bull and Racing Bulls have unveiled their new race car liveries for the 2026 Formula One season.
This season sees F1 begin a new era of technical regulations and Red Bull opted for a joint launch event with Racing Bulls in Detroit, Michigan, USA, at the home of their new power unit partner, Ford as they build their own power unit for the first time..
Red Bull’s new RB22 car will be piloted by four-time champion, Max Verstappen and his new teammate – Isack Hadjar, after the Frenchman was promoted to replace Yuki Tsunoda after a tough 2025 season, which saw the Japanese promoted from Racing Bulls in a driver swap with Liam Lawson after the first two rounds.
The livery is a nostalgic throwback to their first season in F1 back in 2005 which left Verstappen in awe as he looks ahead to a new era and a new challenge in terms of car design to drive.
“I love the new livery, it looks really nice and think it is going to stand out on track this year. The gloss is cool, it is a more retro look, the colour is really bold and blue, I really like it. Seeing it in real life was special and I was really impressed and surprised by how much of a change it is.
“The whole look brings back a lot of great memories of back in the day when I was just starting out in F1 and everything was new. I’m excited to drive a car with a completely different look. I’m not sure the mechanics will be happy about the time it’ll take to keep this clean! But, it’s going to look really slick and will be nice for everyone to see out on track.”
Hadjar added that he has experienced new territory in his preparations to join Red Bull and described the car launch as a “real” feeling of having completed his move.
“There’s been some exciting moments and a lot of firsts for me in the last few months, since I found out I would be driving for Oracle Red Bull Racing, and seeing the 2026 livery for the first time is up there with one of the best.
“Things are starting to feel a lot more real now and I can’t wait to drive with this livery on the car, I love the new, yet heritage, look, it’s super cool.
“It’s a new era for me and it’s pretty crazy that the Team and the whole sport are entering one at the same time too, it all feels very special. Being here in Detroit and seeing the livery in real life and the scale of what we have done to create a power unit is getting me hyped for this season. Now I just want to get into the RB22 with our own engine and go racing!”
Team Principal, Laurent Mekies added that the livery marks a celebration of their old era as they embark on their new chapter.
“This livery is designed to celebrate the spirit of our early days. In the year that an Oracle Red Bull Racing car will run a Red Bull Ford Powertrains PU for the first time, it felt only right to reflect some of our history in our livery.”
Red Bull’s CEO, Oliver Mintzlaff added that the new car livery marks “a new chapter” for the team in their first full season without Christian Horner at the helm, after he was sacked in July 2025.
“Building our own engine and bringing it to life on track is a remarkable step for our brand. We’re optimistic and truly excited to go live with our car and our power unit.
“There will be significant regulatory changes in 2026. Yes, the power unit is a major part of that, but there are many other elements as well. We took a similar risk when we entered Formula One back in 2005, and that mindset hasn’t changed.”
“honestly surreal”
Racing Bull’s new car will be piloted by Lawson and British rookie, Arvid Lindblad who graduates into F1 after a single season in F2, in which he took three race victories en-route to sixth in the standings.
The team have retained their white livery from last season albeit with subtle nods to Ford through a navy blue engine cover, with Lindblad excited to be part of his first F1 livery launch.
“This moment is honestly surreal. To be introduced as a Formula One driver at an event like this, in such an iconic setting, is something I’ll never forget. The team’s vision, the new power unit, and the belief they’ve shown in me mean a lot. I’m ready to learn, to work, and to give everything on track as we start this new chapter together.”
Lawson meanwhile revealed that there is a new buzz around the team this season following Ford’s involvement.
“The partnership between Ford and Red Bull, the energy around the team, and the ambition for what’s ahead make this an incredibly exciting time to be part of VCARB. I’m more motivated than ever to push forward and help turn that vision into results on track.”
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