Red Bull Unveils Shiny New RB22 Livery, Fulfilling Verstappen's Longtime Wish

Max Verstappen has finally gotten his wish. Red Bull revealed a revamped, shinier livery for the 2026 RB22 in Detroit, a design the four-time champion claims he pushed for. The new look features a metallic finish and updated typography, marking a visual shift for the team as they enter a new regulatory era.

Why it matters:

While livery changes are often cosmetic, this specific update reflects a driver's influence and a desire for a fresh identity. With the massive 2026 regulation overhaul shaking up the competitive order, a visual reset helps signal a new chapter for Red Bull as they defend their titles with a new driver lineup.

The Details:

• Verstappen's Approval: The Dutch driver was vocal about his satisfaction, stating he had been asking for this specific look for a long time. He highlighted the shine, the blue hue, and the return of the outlined Red Bull logo.
• Visual Changes: The RB22 sports a shinier paint finish compared to recent seasons. Notably, the car's fonts and lettering now feature a white background, creating a sharper contrast.
• New Teammate: The launch also served as the debut of Verstappen alongside his new teammate, Isack Hadjar, marking a significant change in the driver lineup.

Looking Ahead:

Beyond the aesthetics, Verstappen is looking ahead to the on-track implications of the new rules. He predicts that the 2026 regulation overhaul will initially create a larger performance gap between teams, a common trend when major technical changes are introduced. However, he remains hopeful that the field will eventually converge, allowing for closer racing as the season progresses.