Red Bull Unveils Glossy RB22 Livery for 2026 Ford Era in Detroit

Red Bull Racing has officially pulled the covers off the RB22 in Detroit, showcasing a striking blue-and-black glossy livery that heralds a new era powered by in-house Ford technology. The show car signals a monumental shift for the team as it transitions from its successful Honda partnership to Red Bull Powertrains, featuring a design that nods to its early heritage while embracing future ambitions.

Why it matters:

This reveal represents far more than a cosmetic refresh; it highlights Red Bull's biggest technical gamble to date—building its own Formula 1 power unit from scratch. With the 2026 regulations resetting the competitive order, the success of this internal engine project is critical to maintaining the team's recent dominance and keeping four-time champion Max Verstappen at the front of the grid against resurgent rivals.

The details:

• Visual Identity: The RB22 sports a glossy finish, ending a long run of matte liveries to ensure the car shimmers under floodlights. It features a distinctive blue-and-black scheme with a lighter blue jacquard-style pattern woven throughout.
• Driver Lineup: The chassis will be campaigned by four-time world champion Max Verstappen alongside new teammate Isack Hadjar.
• Power Unit Transition: This marks the debut of the Red Bull Ford Powertrains unit, a project initiated after Honda's departure to Aston Martin.
• Engineering Feat: Red Bull Powertrains Chief Ben Hodgkinson described the project as a "blank sheet of paper" opportunity. The team has rapidly assembled a workforce of 700 people over an intense four-year period to meet the challenge.

Looking ahead:

As the 2026 season draws closer, the paddock will be watching closely to see if the massive investment in Red Bull Powertrains translates into performance. The team aims to prove that its bold decision to manufacture its own engines can secure continued success in the next generation of Formula 1.