Red Bull Unveils 2026 Livery Alongside Ford at Detroit Launch Event

Red Bull is set to become the first team to reveal its 2026 livery during a high-profile launch event in Detroit, Michigan. This unveiling marks a significant milestone as the team showcases its new partnership with Ford and prepares for the upcoming regulation era.

Why it matters:

This launch is more than just a new paint job; it signals the official beginning of the Red Bull-Ford collaboration on power units. With the 2026 regulations bringing massive changes to the sport, the visual identity represents the team's ambition to remain at the front with American manufacturing backing. The location in Detroit, the heart of the American automotive industry, underscores the importance of this technical alliance.

The details:

• Power Unit Evolution: Following Honda's initial departure, Red Bull established Red Bull Powertrains to build engines in-house. Ford joined the project in 2023 to assist with development under the new rules, placing them among five manufacturers on the grid alongside Mercedes, Ferrari, Honda, and Audi.
• Driver Lineup: The event confirms Max Verstappen leading the charge, with Isack Hadjar set to compete alongside him for the team in 2026.
• Visual Identity: While Red Bull has maintained a consistent livery in recent years, social media teasers have hinted at a return to the brighter, more vibrant colors the team utilized during its initial years in the sport.
• Show vs. Reality: With the first test in Barcelona just 11 days away, teams are beginning to pull the covers off their machines. However, the bodywork revealed tonight is largely for show and not representative of the final aerodynamic package.

What's next:

The launch event kicks off tonight at 22:00 Eastern Time (03:00 UK time) and will be broadcast live on YouTube. As the first team to unveil their colors, Red Bull sets the tone for the 2026 season, with other teams expected to follow suit shortly before the cars hit the track in Barcelona.