Red Bull and Racing Bulls Kick Off 2026 Season with Detroit Car Launch

Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls have officially kicked off the 2026 Formula 1 season by unveiling their new cars in Detroit, Michigan. Taking place at the spiritual home of their power unit partner Ford, this event marks the first public look at the contenders for the upcoming regulation overhaul, signaling the start of a new era for the sport.

Why it matters:

The 2026 season represents a massive technical shift for F1, introducing new power unit regulations and active aerodynamic regulations. Red Bull's strategic partnership with Ford is central to their campaign to maintain dominance amidst these changes. By launching at Ford's headquarters, the team is not only showcasing their new machinery but also solidifying their alliance with the American automotive giant in front of a global audience.

The Details:

• The Launch Event: Both Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls (RB) presented their 2026 challengers today in Detroit. This is the first official car launch of the season, setting the visual and technical benchmark for the rest of the grid.
• Ford Challenge: To celebrate the partnership, Max Verstappen and reserve driver Arvid Lindblad participated in a special "Ford Challenge." The duo drove a selection of Ford vehicles spanning a century of automotive history, highlighting the brand's legacy.
• Driver Reunion: The promotional video for the event featured a reunion between Verstappen and his former teammate, Daniel Ricciardo. The Australian, who recently took on an ambassadorial role with Ford Racing, joined the activities, bridging the gap between Red Bull's past and present.
• Andretti's Prediction: In a separate exclusive interview, 1978 World Champion Mario Andretti shared his thoughts on the driver market. He firmly backed Lewis Hamilton to win a record-breaking eighth world championship with Ferrari, dismissing concerns about the Briton's recent struggles.

What's next:

With the Red Bull family cars now revealed, attention turns to the rest of the grid.

• Haas F1 is scheduled to conduct its online car presentation on January 19, continuing the rollout of 2026 machinery.
• As teams finalize their designs, the focus will shift to pre-season testing, where the true pecking order of this new regulatory era will begin to emerge.