Racing Bulls Unveils Ford-Branded 2026 Livery; Rookie Lindblad Hails 'Surreal' Debut

British teenager Arvid Lindblad described his official promotion as a "surreal moment" as Racing Bulls unveiled their striking new livery for the 2026 Formula 1 season. The reveal in Detroit showcased a predominantly white VCARB 03 accented with Ford blue, signaling the start of a new era under the new regulations. Lindblad joins Liam Lawson in a lineup that blends youthful potential with experienced grit as the team aims to leverage its Red Bull-Ford power unit partnership.

Why it matters:

The 2026 regulations represent the most significant technical shift in F1 in years, offering a rare opportunity to reset the competitive order. For Racing Bulls, aligning with Ford and fast-tracking a highly-rated junior like Lindblad demonstrates a clear intent to shed their "B-team" image and fight for higher positions. Successfully integrating a new power unit from Red Bull Powertrains and Ford is critical for the team to capitalize on this fresh start and challenge the midfield frontrunners.

The Details:

• Visual Identity: Sticking to their all-white base, the team introduced "sleek blue accents" that trace the chassis contours. This design choice honors the technical partnership with Ford, providing a sharper and more streamlined aesthetic for the new season.
• Rookie Rise: Arvid Lindblad, 18, has been fast-tracked into the seat after a rapid ascent through junior categories. He famously predicted his F1 arrival to Lando Norris five years ago, a prophecy now fulfilled alongside the New Zealander.
• Power Unit Project: The car will be powered by Red Bull Powertrains units developed with Ford. This marks the first time the American manufacturer produces F1 power units under these regulations, combining world-class engineering with racing DNA.
• Team Ambition: Team Principal Alan Permane emphasized that the partnership puts Racing Bulls in a "strong position" for the new era. The team is looking to improve upon its 2025 campaign, where it finished sixth in the Constructors' Championship.

What's next:

With the car launched, the focus shifts to the track to validate the new package before the season opener in Australia.

• Testing Schedule: The team faces a robust pre-season program, starting with a private test in Barcelona (Jan 26-30). This is followed by two official tests in Bahrain on Feb 11-13 and Feb 18-20.
• Season Opener: The first race weekend kicks off in Melbourne on March 8. Lawson will be eager to prove his worth after his Red Bull demotion, while Lindblad looks to translate his junior pace into F1 points.