Red Bull reveals 2026 livery in Detroit
Red Bull Racing has revealed its new livery for the 2026 Formula One season in an event in Detroit, which also marked the beginning of a new era for the team with the launch of Red Bull Ford Powertrains.
Detroit is the birthplace of Ford, and the action-packed event was hosted at the refurbished Michigan Central Station, which was extensively renovated and preserved by the American company over the last six years. Over 1,500 fans were in attendance to see the reveal of the new RB22 livery, which has a gloss finish inspired by Red Bull’s debut season in F1 in 2005 and adopts the famous Ford blue colour in celebration of a new partnership.
“It is going to stand out on track this year”
Red Bull drivers Max Verstappen and Isaack Hadjar were on stage for the reveal, with both seemingly impressed by what they saw.
Verstappen remarked: "I love the new livery, it looks really nice and think it is going to stand out on track this year. The gloss is cool, it is a more retro look, the colour is really bold and blue, I really like it. Seeing it in real life was special and I was really impressed and surprised by how much of a change it is.”
Hadjar said: “There’s been some exciting moments and a lot of firsts for me in the last few months, since I found out I would be driving for Oracle Red Bull Racing, and when I saw the 2026 livery it was up there with one of the best. Things are starting to feel a lot more real now and I can’t wait to drive with this livery on the car, I love the new, yet heritage, look, it’s super cool.”
New season, new powerunit
The event marked the beginning of a new era for Red Bull, following long partnerships with Renault and Honda in recent years. After deciding to build its own power unit five years ago, Red Bull's launch coincided with new regulations being introduced to the sport this year.
In a fitting tribute, the PU will be named DM01, after the late Dietrich Mateschitz, who led Red Bull's decision to become an engine manufacturer. Red Bull founder Mateschitz, who died in 2022, was influential in the company’s decision to go racing in F1 in 2005. He oversaw the creation of Red Bull Powertrains in 2021, which allowed the team to design a power unit specifically for a Red Bull chassis, with Ford coming on boardin 2023 as a technical partner to create Red Bull Ford Powertrains.
Ford brings 120 years of technical expertise and a wealth of motorsport experience, and returns to F1 after a 22 year absence.
Racing Bulls launches 2026 livery
The event in Central Michigan also saw sister team Racing Bulls launch its 2026 livery and introduce new driver, Arvid Lindblad.
Lindblad spoke about being at the event, saying: This moment is honestly surreal. To be introduced as a Formula One driver at an event like this, in such an iconic setting, is something I’ll never forget. The team’s vision, the new power unit, and the belief they’ve shown in me mean a lot. I’m ready to learn, to work, and to give everything on track as we start this new chapter together.”
The Racing Bulls team, including Lindblad, Liam Lawson, CEO Peter Bayer and Team Principal Alan Permane, were introduced to the stage by Detroit native Big Sean for the reveal in front of a packed crowd.
Last season’s white livery was one of the most popular with fans, prompting Racing Bulls to stick with it for 2026. This time, however, the car adopts blue accents in a subtle nod to its new partnership with Ford, and gives it a more streamlined finish.
words: Mike Booth
pictures: Red Bull Content Pool