Red Bull has unveiled a throwback blue livery for the upcoming 2026 Formula 1 season at a launch event in Detroit.
Red Bull has partnered with Ford for the new engine era and unveiled the glossy electric blue look at the company’s Detroit base on Thursday night at Michigan Central Station.
As part of F1’s new era of regulations, Red Bull is manufacturing their own engine in collaboration with the U.S. car company for the first time since it joined F1 in 2005.
Red Bull and Racing Bulls are the first teams to unveil their liveries for 2026.
Max Verstappen and new teammate, Frenchman Isack Hadjar who stepped up from Racing Bulls last year, were in attendance.
Four-time world champion Verstappen has adopted the number 3 as his race number for the foreseeable future, down from 33 previously. The number 3 was that of his former teammate Daniel Ricciardo, who gave him permission to adopt it. In the past two seasons champion Verstappen adopted No. 1, but relinquishes it to 2025 champion Lando Norris.
In a statement, the team said the RB22’s livery marks: “A return to the gloss finish first seen when the team made its debut back in 2005.
“To acknowledge this bold move, the RB22 will wear a livery inspired by Red Bull’s original look in F1. It harks back to a more classic Red Bull Racing presence, sharpening reflections, boosting contrast under the lights and making heritage elements of the new livery feel richer and more premium at speed.”
Team principal Laurent Mekies said: “2026 marks the start of a new and significant era for Formula 1 and for Red Bull. We wanted our livery to reflect this, while also giving a nod to Red Bull Racing’s beginnings. We are in F1 because of the dream of one man, Dietrich Mateschitz, and several years later, he had another dream, to create an engine.
“This livery is designed to celebrate that spirit that we entered the sport with. In the year that an Oracle Red Bull Racing car carries a Red Bull Ford Powertrains PU for the first time, it felt only right to reflect some of our history in our livery.”
Verstappen said everyone is “very excited.
“The colours have changed a little bit,” Verstappen added. “It is much better. I like the shine, blue is my favourite colour. I like the outlines on the Red Bull logo. It is back and much more fresh. It is all still a bit unknown with the engine and the dimension of the car has changed a bit.
“For us drivers, initially it will take a bit of time to adjust and important on test days to get our laps in and optimise as much as possible. It is always better to have an ending like that (2025) and everybody is excited to start a new chapter.”
Hadjar, 21, said: “It is a bit unreal for me. I have always dreamed of driving for this team. As a kid watching TV, I saw Vettel winning all those titles. I am finally in the big team.
“It is a real privilege to be part of Oracle Red Bull Racing and be next to Max. I love the front wing and gloss as during night races it will stand out. I am fully adapted and in the rhythm. A maiden race win would be good.”
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Red Bull
Racing Bulls
Both teams launched their liveries at the joint event in Detroit, with Racing Bulls drivers Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad on stage to unveil the team’s new look.
The all-white livery is similar to last year’s design, with blue accents tracing the contours of the chassis for a sharper finish.
New Zealander Liam Lawson continues at Racing Bulls for a second year, with 18-year-old Briton, Arvid Lindblad, joining from the Red Bull junior programme as the youngest and only rookie on the grid for 2026.
Lawson, 23, was demoted to Red Bull’s junior team from Red Bull at the start of 2025, but ended the season strongly with five top 10 finishes.
Lawson said: “I love white. We have more blue and obviously Ford on the back now, which looks really, really good. I am excited. It is obviously going to be a very different season and new opportunities.
“Firstly, we need to see how fast the car is. It looks fast, so hopefully it is fast on track. I am looking forward to it.”
Lindblad said: “I am really excited. It has always been my goal to get to Formula 1 and to have the dream come true is something that I have always been working towards. I can’t wait to get started.”
Team Principal Alan Permane said 2026 is one of the biggest technical changes F1 has ever seen. “Partnering with Ford at the very start of this journey is hugely significant for us.
“The Red Bull Ford Powertrains project brings together world-class engineering, innovation and racing DNA, and it puts us in a strong position as the sport enters this new era.”
