Red Bull kicks off the 2026 Formula 1 season with their car launch

The double launch was not only used to reveal the liveries, but also to symbolize the beginning of a new chapter with Red Bull Ford Powertrains, the project that will link both teams with the American partner in the development of the power unit from 2026 onwards.

Red Bull–Ford agreement: what it is — and what it isn’t

With the new technical regulations coming into force, Red Bull Ford Powertrains will become the power unit manufacturer — both the internal combustion engine and the electrical components — for Red Bull and VCARB alike. Ford’s contribution will focus on key areas such as control software, battery management, powertrain modeling and additive manufacturing, with engineering teams working in an integrated manner between Michigan and Milton Keynes.

That said, not everything falls under the agreement: the gearbox is excluded from Ford’s scope and will remain the direct responsibility of Red Bull, just as it was in the previous season.

What we’ve seen today

The cars displayed in Detroit are showcars, designed exclusively to showcase liveries and sponsors. They do not preview technical solutions or performance concepts. Even so, they allow for a visual reading that aligns with the spirit of the 2026 regulations:

More compact proportions: the concept of a “nimble car” translates into cars that are narrower, shorter and lighter than those from the 2022–2025 era. What was shown in Detroit clearly points in that direction, even if it is not yet definitive.

• Simpler, more streamlined wings: with an aesthetic reminiscent of the pre-2009 era, the wings appear narrower and cleaner. On the showcars, a more refined edge can be seen, along with a look that suggests the presence of lateral flaps, in line with the introduction of active aerodynamics.

  Narrower tyres: Pirelli will reduce tyre width by 25 mm at the front and 30 mm at the rear compared to current dimensions — a change already announced by Formula 1 and tested on track.

  Visual identity of each team

  Oracle Red Bull Racing’s showcar brings back a bright metallic blue, moving away from the matte finish of recent seasons. The Ford logo appears both on the nose and on the engine cover, visually underlining the new partnership. Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar were tasked with unveiling this first version of the presentation car, designed solely to showcase the livery.

• Meanwhile, Racing Bulls retains its signature white base and adds blue accents as a nod to the partnership with Ford. Liam Lawson and rookie Arvid Lindblad unveiled the livery in front of around 1,500 guests.

The 2026 team launch calendar

Following the double unveiling in Detroit, this is the scheduled launch calendar for the rest of the paddock:

• Haas F1 Team – January 19

• Audi F1 Team – January 20

• Mercedes-AMG F1 Team – January 22

• Scuderia Ferrari – January 23

• BWT Alpine F1 Team – January 23

• Atlassian Williams Racing – February 3

• Cadillac F1 Team – February 8

• McLaren Mastercard F1 Team – February 9

• Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team – February 9