Red Bull and Ford Unveil 2026 F1 Cars in Detroit

Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls have officially kicked off the 2026 Formula 1 season with a joint launch event in Detroit, unveiling their new challengers powered by the highly anticipated Red Bull-Ford power unit. The event, held at Ford's home in Michigan, marks a historic shift as the Austrian team becomes a power unit manufacturer for the first time, transitioning away from their long-standing partnership with Renault.

Why it matters:

This launch signifies the culmination of Red Bull's massive investment in its powertrains division. Partnering with Ford not only brings American automotive heritage to the grid but also aims to secure long-term competitiveness in the new regulatory era. For Red Bull, success with this power unit validates their bold strategy to bring engine production in-house, potentially altering the competitive balance of the sport.

The Details:

• Historic Partnership: The 2026 cars feature the first power units developed entirely by Red Bull Powertrains in collaboration with Ford. This move ends the team's reliance on external suppliers and positions them as a works team.
• Dual Reveal: Both Red Bull Racing and the rebranded Racing Bulls showcased their liveries and designs. The event highlighted the technical synergy between the senior team and its sister squad as they tackle the new regulations together.
• Driver Lineup: The grid's reigning star, Max Verstappen, was present alongside his new teammate Isack Hadjar. Racing Bulls fielded Liam Lawson and rookie Arvid Lindblad, who will be looking to impress in his debut full season.
• Detroit Setting: Choosing Detroit as the venue was a deliberate nod to Ford, emphasizing the American manufacturer's deep commitment to returning to the pinnacle of motorsport as a works partner.

What's next:

With the launches complete, all eyes turn to the track for pre-season testing. The immediate priority is validating the reliability and performance of the new Red Bull-Ford engine against rivals from Mercedes, Ferrari, and the incoming Audi.