Red Bull racing has unveiled their contender for the 2026 Formula 1 season at Red Bull’s 2026 Season Launch, held in Michigan Central Station. Making them the first team on the grid to showcase their 2026 contender.
A new era for Red Bull
Red Bull racing revealed the new RB22 livery in Detroit, the home of Ford to pay homage to the American brand. The event celebrates the partnership that has delivered the first ever Red Bull Ford Powertrains power unit in Formula 1. For the first time since Red Bull debut in Formula 1, the team will now take on the task of building both their car and power unit at their Milton Keynes headquarters.
The Milton Keynes outfit welcomed their new partnership with Ford with a bold new look. While still retaining the classic Red Bull Racing livery design, the RB22 spots a glossy finish and an intricate jacquard pattern throughout. It will also be the first time the team spots a glossy finish since its debut in Formula 1 in 2005. The bold change celebrates Red Bull entering their new era in Formula 1 with Ford as the sport enters the new regulation.
On the path to redemption
2025 was expected to be another dominant season for Red Bull, a season of redemption to reclaim the Constructors’ title. After a tough season, the Milton Keynes outfit fought their way back up the standings and claimed third in the Constructors’ Championship.
Towards the end of the 2025 Formula 1 season, four-time World Champion Max Verstappen cemented his chances as a title contender with a late but strong improvement in performance. Despite the struggles faced early on in the season, Verstappen proved to be a dominant challenger till the season finale in Abu Dhabi. The Dutchman finished the season 2nd in the Drivers’ Standings with a total of 421 points to his name and 8 race victories. This placed him a mere 2 points behind 2025 World Champion McLaren’s Lando Norris. Now racing under number 3, Verstappen will be looking to reclaim the championship title in the 2026 Formula 1 season.
Racing alongside Verstappen for the 2026 Formula 1 season is Isack Hadjar who steps up from the sister team Racing Bull. Hadjar had an impressive rookie season, finishing 12th in the Drivers’ Championship with 51 points. The Frenchman also claimed his maiden podium in his rookie season with a strong performance in Zandvoort. Hadjar will be aiming to prove his seat alongside the four-time World Champion in the 2026 Formula 1 season with his on-track performance.
Leading Red Bull Racing will be Team Principal Laurent Mekies, who took over from Chrisitian Horner midway through the 2025 season. Working alongside him is Pierre Wache who oversees the technical team.
