Inside Red Bull's dangerous 2026 livery reveal stunt

Red Bull unveiled its 2026 livery with a signature adrenaline-fueled stunt, using a low-flying aerobatic plane to tear the cover off the RB22 show car. Filmed in freezing conditions last November, the maneuver required extreme precision from pilot Martin Šonka to avoid disaster. The reveal marks a significant reset for the team as they enter a new era with Ford power units and updated regulations.

Why it matters:

This signals Red Bull's intent to dominate the narrative heading into the massive 2026 regulatory overhaul. By combining a tribute to heritage with a high-risk display of engineering, the team reinforces its brand identity just as it prepares to integrate Ford's works power unit.

The details:

• The Maneuver: Šonka executed a "cobra" move at 200km/h, flying just 1.5 meters above the ground to snag the cover.
• Precision Prep: The team spent months training, utilizing a LiDAR system to provide audio-visual cues on ground clearance.
• Risk Management: Engineers built a specific release mechanism to handle the sheet accelerating from stationary to 200km/h in under a second, preventing it from snagging on the car.
• Blind Faith: Due to the canopy shape, Šonka lost sight of the car 200 meters before the pull, describing the experience as "threading a needle blind" in -3°C temperatures.

Looking ahead:

The livery features a heritage white base with a jacquard blue pattern, nodding to the team's origins. As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on whether the on-track performance matches the intensity of this unveiling.