Verstappen Approves of Red Bull's Glossy 2026 Ford Livery

Max Verstappen has given his seal of approval to Red Bull’s striking new 2026 livery, unveiled alongside Ford in Detroit. The design shifts away from the team's iconic matte finish to a glossy aesthetic dominated by Ford's signature blue, signaling a fresh chapter for the Milton Keynes squad as they prepare for the new regulatory era.

Why it matters:

This launch represents more than just a new paint job; it symbolizes the deepening technical partnership with Ford as Formula 1 enters a new regulatory era in 2026. With Red Bull Powertrains now working closely with the American manufacturer, the visual identity bridges the gap between the team's heritage and its future engine ambitions.

The details:

• Visual Shift: The car sports a glossy finish, a nod to Red Bull's 2005 entry, replacing the matte look fans have grown accustomed to in recent years. The dominant Ford blue is complemented by refreshed outlines on the Red Bull logo.
• Driver Feedback: Verstappen praised the new look, specifically highlighting the shine and his preference for the color blue. Teammate Isack Hadjar noted the gloss will make the car stand out during night races.
• New Teammate Dynamic: Hadjar expressed his excitement about joining the "big team," fulfilling a childhood dream of racing alongside Verstappen, who he watched winning titles as a kid.

What's next:

While the livery has launched, the 2026 regulations bring significant changes to car dimensions and power units. Both drivers acknowledged the adjustment period required during testing to optimize the new package, with the team eager to turn the page on the current season and start this new competitive chapter.