The countdown to the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season has begun in the motorsport world, and it was Red Bull, in partnership with Ford, who were the first to unveil the appearance of their new cars. The presentation took place in Detroit, gathering the team’s key figures, including Max Verstappen. This time, the Austrian team didn’t delay, revealing both liveries at once—for the main squad and for Racing Bulls.
Formula 1 fans got the chance to appreciate not just a fresh design, but also to sense the winds of change surrounding the championship. For the first time in many years, Red Bull cars have radically changed their look, marking a significant moment for the world of motorsport. The new livery doesn’t reveal any technical secrets, but it’s clear the team is focusing on a visual update and a return to its roots.
A new era begins
Last season was not the most successful for Red Bull: only Verstappen’s efforts kept the team among the leaders, but they finished no higher than third in the constructors’ standings. This prompted management to reshuffle the lineup—Max’s new teammate will be Isack Hadjar, who replaces Yuki Tsunoda. Racing Bulls also saw changes: Liam Lawson keeps his seat and will be joined by young talent Arvid Lindblad.
All four drivers have already seen what their cars will look like in a season that promises to be a turning point due to major rule changes. Red Bull makes no secret of their intentions: they wanted to be the first to show the world the new ‘skin’ of their cars. The presentation at Ford’s headquarters in Detroit marked the beginning of a new era for the team and its partners.
A design with history
Compared to previous years, Red Bull’s current livery is the boldest of the past decade. The team abandoned the familiar matte finish, used since 2016, in favor of bright, rich colors. This move did not go unnoticed: fans were quick to draw parallels with the legendary 2012 car, with which Sebastian Vettel claimed his third title and Fernando Alonso became runner-up.
The new look features a deep blue base, complemented by the brand’s signature yellow and red highlights—colors closely associated with the Red Bull logo. The front wing, adorned with the Ford emblem, stands out and underscores the start of a strategic partnership between the two brands. Starting this year, Ford is responsible for the team’s power units, a partnership that has already become one of the main storylines of the off-season.
Requirements and trends
The design changes are partly driven by new Formula 1 regulations: at least 60% of the car’s surface must now be painted in the team’s signature colors. This measure aims to make the cars more recognizable and move away from the trend of using bare black carbon fiber to reduce weight. Red Bull seized the opportunity to refresh its visual identity, a move that has been well received by fans and experts alike.
Max Verstappen, who tried on the new suit featuring the Ford logo, couldn’t hide his excitement about the changes: he has long dreamed of returning to a deep blue color with bold lines. According to him, the upcoming season will be a challenge for everyone—with new engines, updated chassis, and the need to adapt to changes. But it’s these kinds of challenges that make Formula 1 unpredictable and thrilling.
Looking Ahead
While most eyes are on the main team, Racing Bulls have also revealed their own livery. Here, the changes are subtler: white and dark blue remain dominant, maintaining continuity with last season. Both Red Bull teams have set the tone for the rest of the grid—over the coming weeks, Haas, Audi, Mercedes, Ferrari, Alpine will unveil their new cars, followed a bit later by Williams, Cadillac, McLaren, and Aston Martin.
For now, fans are left to speculate how the new cars will perform on the track. Any real conclusions can only be drawn after the initial tests, when it will become clear how successful not just the design but also the technical components really are. Still, one thing is certain: Red Bull and Ford have embraced boldness and nostalgia, blending the past and the future in a single project.
RUSSPAIN reminds readers that Red Bull is one of the most decorated teams in modern Formula 1, founded in 2005 and based in Milton Keynes. Ford, meanwhile, is one of the world’s largest automakers with a rich history in motorsport, tallying victories across various racing series. The partnership between Red Bull and Ford set to launch in 2026 has become one of the most talked-about events in motorsport, promising new technological breakthroughs and unforgettable moments on the track.
