In a striking launch event in Detroit, Red Bull Racing has pulled the covers off its contender for the 2026 Formula 1 season, the RB22, marking the beginning of a bold new chapter with engine partner Ford.
A New Look and a New Power Unit
The Milton Keynes-based team has undertaken its most significant livery change in years, moving away from the dark navy matte finish. The RB22 now sports a brighter, glossier blue on a white base, a design the team says pays homage to its original look from its 2005 F1 debut. Prominently featured on the car is the logo of new engine partner Ford, with whom Red Bull has developed its first in-house power unit over the past four years.
Also visible is Max Verstappen's new race number, #3, used with permission from its previous holder, Daniel Ricciardo. The Dutch driver forfeited the #1 after losing the 2025 title to McLaren's Lando Norris.
Verstappen's Future and Team Confidence
The launch comes amid intense speculation about Verstappen's long-term future with the team. His contract is understood to contain a performance clause that could allow him to depart for free if certain targets are not met. His agent, Raymond Vermeulen, has previously indicated that all options would be explored if Red Bull is uncompetitive in F1's new regulatory era.
However, the team's powertrain technical director, Ben Hodgkinson, expressed strong confidence in the project. Speaking in an exclusive media roundtable, he stated: "I'm very confident that the team I've built is incredible, I'm confident the facilities we put together are going to be benchmark." He acknowledged the challenge of being a newcomer to engine manufacturing, having built factories while rivals were already developing, but believes Red Bull's people and facilities are superior.
"Will we overtake them by race one? I don't know. We'll have to wait and see," Hodgkinson added, emphasising a cautious but optimistic outlook.
Driver Advantage in the New Power Unit Era
The 2026 Formula 1 power units represent a major shift, relying far more heavily on electrical energy. This change will require drivers to manage more complex energy strategies while racing at over 200mph.
Hodgkinson suggested that this could play to the strengths of Red Bull's driver line-up, which includes three-time champion Max Verstappen and new recruit Isack Hadjar. "I think the drivers that have got the most cognitive bandwidth whilst they're driving a car are the ones that are going to really stand out," he said. "I think that puts us in a really good position with the drivers that we have."
The unveiling of the RB22 in Detroit sets the stage for a pivotal 2026 season for Red Bull, as it seeks to return to the summit of the sport with a new look, a new engine partner, and its star driver hungry for a fourth world championship.
