At the 2026 Season Launch with Red Bull Ford Powertrains held at the Michigan Central Station in Detroit, Racing Bull unveiled their contender for the 2026 Formula 1 season and introduced rookie driver Arvid Lindblad.
Racing Bulls’ 2026 contender
Racing Bulls and sister team Red Bull Racing shared the stage for a joint launch in Detroit, honouring Red Bull’s partnership with American brand, Ford. The event celebrated the launch of the Red Bull Ford Powertrains power unit, Red Bull’s first inhouse produced power unit that will power both teams from the 2026 season onwards.
The newly revealed VCARB 03 retains Racing Bulls’ iconic predominant all-white appearance. The addition of blue accents to the chassis pays homage to Red Bull’s partnership with Ford.
Driver lineup
Another highlight Racing Bulls’ car launch is the introduction of rookie driver Arvid Lindblad who is set to make his debut in the 2026 Formula 1 season.
Lindblad will be the sole rookie on the 2026 Formula 1 grid following his rapid rise in the junior ranks. The British driver has had an impressive career in the junior series, becoming the youngest race winner in Formula 3 in 2024 and Formula 2 in 2025. Lindblad completed his rookie Formula 2 season 6th in the Drivers’ Standings with 134 points. The 18-year-old claimed his maiden win in the series in the Jeddah Sprint Race and stood on the top step for two other races. Lindblad will be someone to look out for in the upcoming season.
Lindblad will be racing alongside fellow Red Bull Junior Team graduate Liam Lawson in Racing Bulls. Going into the 2026 Formula 1 season, the New Zealander will be entering his second full campaign in the series since his debut in 2023.
Lawson first made his debut in Formula 1 in 2023, stepping in as a reserve driver for then AlphaTauri replacing an injured Daniel Riccardo. He filled in again for Riccardo in 2024 after the Australian’s departure from the sport following the Singapore Grand Prix. He was promoted to a full-time seat in Formula 1 in 2025 racing for Red Bull racing before returning to Racing Bulls after the first two rounds of the season. The 2025 Formula 1 season was definitely a learning curve for the New Zealander, however, he was able to bounce back from the difficult start. He finished the 2025 season 14th in the Standings with 38 points to his name.
Lawson will be looking to optimise his second campaign in Formula 1 and showcase more of his potential on track in 2026.
Alan Permane will continue his role as Team Principal, leading Racing Bulls following his promotion from Racing Director in the 2025 season.
