Red Bull Teases Major Livery Overhaul for 2026 Ford Era

Red Bull is preparing to reveal a significantly new livery for its 2026 car, the RB22, signaling a major brand shift as it enters a new era with technical partner Ford. This would be the team's first substantial livery change since adopting its current dark blue scheme in 2016, generating significant buzz ahead of the launch in Detroit on January 15.

Why it matters:

A livery change for a team as dominant and recognizable as Red Bull is a major event in the F1 world. It's not just a new paint scheme; it's a visual declaration of a new chapter, especially one tied to a high-profile partnership with an automotive giant like Ford. This move aims to refresh the team's identity and capitalize on the excitement of the new 2026 regulations, potentially attracting a new wave of fans.

The details:

• Ford Partnership: The primary catalyst for the change is the new technical partnership with Ford, which begins in 2026. This collaboration marks a significant shift for the Milton Keynes-based squad.
• Brand Clues: Red Bull has already reverted to its pre-2016 logo colors, fueling speculation that the car's livery will follow suit and feature more vibrant reds and yellows.
• Driver Input: Team principal Max Verstappen has publicly voiced his support for a change, stating he'd like to see the team do something different with its livery for the new era.
• Official Launch: The new livery for the RB22 will be officially unveiled, alongside sister team Racing Bulls, in Detroit on January 15.

What's next:

All eyes will be on Detroit on January 15 to see if Red Bull's teasers translate into a radical new look or a more subtle evolution. The success of this rebranding will be judged not just on its aesthetics, but on how well it captures the spirit of the new Ford-powered era. If the team can pair a striking new livery with a competitive car, it could create a powerful narrative as F1 enters its next regulatory period.