Red Bull's Promo Video Gaffe: Verstappen's RB22 Features Wrong Number

Red Bull Racing’s launch of the 2026 team apparel and livery was marred by a humorous yet telling error in their promotional video. The footage briefly showcased Max Verstappen’s RB22 bearing the number '1', a designation he no longer holds following Lando Norris's 2025 championship victory.

Why it matters:

This visual slip-up serves as a stark reminder of the changing guard in Formula 1. After years of dominance, Red Bull enters the 2026 season without the reigning champion title, forcing the team to adjust its branding and mindset to a grid where McLaren and Norris set the benchmark.

The details:

• The Glitch: During a rapid sequence of renders featuring the new RB22, the car appeared with the number '1' on the sidepod instead of Verstappen's permanent number '3'.
• Context: Since Norris clinched the 2025 title, the Briton has the right to run the number '1', relegating Verstappen back to his career number.
• The Fix: Red Bull acted quickly to amend the longer version of the video on YouTube, replacing the erroneous '1' renders with the correct '3'.
• The Lineup: The promo featured key figures including Verstappen, reserve driver Isack Hadjar, and race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase modeling the new black-and-blue kit.

Between the lines:

It remains unclear whether this was a genuine editing mistake or a cheeky tease aimed at their new rivals. Either way, the swift correction suggests the team is keen to maintain a professional image as they prepare for a rigorous season aiming to dethrone Norris.