By Dan Turner
Red Bull Livery Launch
Red Bull Racing were the first team to give fans an early glimpse of their 2026 car at a special launch event on Thursday.
The event, held at the headquarters of their engine partners Ford in Detroit, USA, showcased the teams’ 2026 livery, with similarities to the glossy paint job used in their first ever F1 season in 2005.
Four-time world champion Max Verstappen was in attendance at the event to unveil what he hopes will regain the championship crown from Lando Norris. However, he may have to take some pain in the early races as the team get up to speed with becoming an engine manufacturer for the first time, with team principal Laurent Meikes admitting that he doesn’t expect the team to be challenging for race victories at the start of the season as they adapt to the new challenges they will undoubtedly face.
For the first time in their history, Red Bull will be manufacturing their own engines for the 2026 season, in collaboration with US car giant Ford. Red Bull Ford Powertrains will debut their new engine at the season opener in Melbourne and will coincide with what has been described as the biggest regulation overhaul in the history of Formula 1. Key changes include a split 50/50 split in power between electric and combustion and 100% sustainable fuel will be used for the first time
Isaac Hadjar also attended the event, having been newly promoted to the senior team after an impressive rookie season with sister team Racing Bulls, which included a maiden podium in Zandvoort. The event also saw the unveiling of the latest Racing Bulls challenger, with drivers Liam Lawson and rookie Arvid Lindblad.
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