The 2026 Formula 1 campaign has unofficially begun.
Thursday night in Detroit both Red Bull and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls unveiled their designs for the upcoming season. The two teams shared their looks for the 2026 season at an event in Ford, where not only did Red Bull and VCARB share their liveries for next year, but also they officially launched their new power unit partnership with Ford.
“This is a new chapter for us,” said Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of Corporate Projects and New Investments of Red Bull. “Building our own engine and bringing it to life on track is a remarkable step for our brand. We’re optimistic and truly excited to go live with our car and our power unit. There will be significant regulatory changes in 2026. Yes, the power unit is a major part of that, but there are many other elements as well. We took a similar risk when we entered Formula One back in 2005, and that mindset hasn’t changed.”
For Ford — and the Ford family — this is a matter of unfinished business.
“That is why the air at Ford Racing feels different right now. After a 22-year absence, we are returning to the pinnacle of motorsport. Twenty-two years is too long. As we prepare for the Australian Grand Prix in March 2026, we are returning to our identity,” said Will Ford.
“When I first saw the new liveries for Oracle Red Bull Racing and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, I didn’t see a marketing asset. I saw my family’s name back on a global stage where we have unfinished business.”
Red Bull’s design for the 2026 season incorporates a subtle shift from previous looks, incorporating more blue into the paint scheme than the traditional black design we have grown accustomed to seeing:
For driver Max Verstappen, the design is “much better” than previous efforts.
“First of all, everyone is very excited. The colors have changed a little bit. It is much better,” said Verstappen. “I like the shine, blue is my favourite color. I like the outlines on the Red Bull logo. It is back and much more fresh. It is all still a bit unknown with the engine and the dimension of the car has changed a bit. For us drivers, initially it will take a bit of time to adjust and important on test days to get our laps in and optimise as much as possible. It is always better to have an ending like [last season] and everybody is excited to start a new chapter.”
Also making a debut at the launch event was Verstappen’s new teammate, Isack Hadjar. After a year driving for VCARB, Hadjar was promoted to drive for the senior team in the new year.
“It is a bit unreal for me. I have always dreamed of driving for this team,” said Hadjar. “As a kid watching TV, I saw Vettel winning all those titles. I am finally in the big team. It is a real privilege to be part of Oracle Red Bull Racing and be next to Max. I love the front wing and gloss as during night races it will stand out. I am fully adapted and in the rhythm. A maiden race win would be good.”
As for Hadjar’s old team, VCARB launched their design, which leans into white as in year’s past, at the event as well:
“Launching the 2026 livery here in Detroit makes the moment feel even more special,” said Lawson. “The history of innovation in this place really reflects what this team is building for the future. The partnership between Ford and Red Bull, the energy around the team, and the ambition for what’s ahead make this an incredibly exciting time to be part of VCARB. I’m more motivated than ever to push forward and help turn that vision into results on track.”
Arvid Lindblad, promoted to F1 to take Hadjar’s spot at VCARB, called the launch “surreal.”
“This moment is honestly surreal. To be introduced as a Formula One driver at an event like this, in such an iconic setting, is something I’ll never forget,” said Lindblad. “The team’s vision, the new power unit, and the belief they’ve shown in me mean a lot. I’m ready to learn, to work, and to give everything on track as we start this new chapter together.”
The two teams were the first to launch their designs for the upcoming campaign, with nine teams to follow. That includes the incoming Cadillac team, who will unveil their design for the 2026 season in true American fashion with a Super Bowl ad.
The next team on the launch docket? Haas, who will share their look next Monday.
