Reigning champion Max Verstappen has expressed his excitement over the striking new design of Red Bull's 2026 Formula One car, declaring it will stand out on track. The team officially pulled the covers off the livery for their RB22 challenger during a showcase event in Detroit on Thursday.
A Retro-Inspired Livery Wins Driver Approval
The four-time world champion, who finished a close second to McLaren's Lando Norris in 2025, was full of praise for the car's aesthetic. "I love the new livery, it looks really nice and I think it is going to stand out on track this year," Verstappen stated. He highlighted the bold blue colour and glossy finish, describing it as a "more retro look" that evoked memories of his early days in the sport.
"Seeing it in real life was special and I was really impressed by how much of a change it is," he added, though he joked that the mechanics might not appreciate the effort required to keep the glossy finish clean.
Navigating F1's Biggest Regulatory Shake-Up
The launch kicks off a critical season for the team, with the 2026 campaign set to feature the most significant technical regulations overhaul in over a decade. The changes are so comprehensive they are considered potentially the largest in F1 history.
The new rules mandate a near 50-50 power split between electric and internal combustion energy, coupled with major aerodynamic revisions. This presents a fresh challenge for every team on the grid. Red Bull's launch in Detroit pays homage to their new powertrain partnership with Ford, as they manufacture their own engines for the first time.
Confidence in a New Power Unit Project
Ben Hodgkinson, Red Bull's Powertrains Technical Director, struck a note of cautious optimism regarding their competitive prospects against established engine manufacturers like Mercedes and Ferrari. "We're a newcomer. We have had to build factories while people started developing engines," Hodgkinson acknowledged.
However, he expressed strong faith in his team and facilities, suggesting they could set a new benchmark. "I think the people and the facilities we've got are better than everybody else. So watch this space," he concluded.
The 2026 F1 season will commence in Melbourne on 8 March. Due to the scale of the new regulations, an extensive testing programme is scheduled:
- A private test in Barcelona from 26-30 January.
- Two further tests in Bahrain on 11-13 and 18-20 February.
Verstappen and teammate Isack Hadjar will be hoping the RB22's distinctive look is matched by dominant performance as Red Bull aims to reclaim the championship.
