Red Bull Unveils Throwback Blue Livery for 2026 Formula 1 Season
Red Bull has officially unveiled its throwback blue livery for the upcoming 2026 Formula 1 season at a launch event in Detroit. The team has partnered with Ford for the new engine era, and the glossy electric blue look was showcased at the company’s Detroit base on Thursday night at Michigan Central Station.
As part of F1’s new era of regulations, Red Bull is manufacturing its own engine in collaboration with the U.S. car company for the first time since it joined F1 in 2005. The team’s new livery is a nod to its original look in F1, featuring a glossy finish that was first seen when the team made its debut back in 2005.
Max Verstappen and new teammate, Frenchman Isack Hadjar, who stepped up from Racing Bulls last year, were in attendance at the launch event. Verstappen has adopted the number 3 as his race number for the foreseeable future, down from 33 previously. The number 3 was that of his former teammate Daniel Ricciardo, who gave him permission to adopt it.
In a statement, the team said the RB22’s livery marks “a return to the gloss finish first seen when the team made its debut back in 2005.” Team principal Laurent Mekies said: “2026 marks the start of a new and significant era for Formula 1 and for Red Bull. We wanted our livery to reflect this, while also giving a nod to Red Bull Racing’s beginnings.”
Verstappen said everyone is “very excited” about the new livery, adding that “the colours have changed a little bit” and that he likes the shine and the blue color. He also mentioned that the team is still adjusting to the new engine and car dimensions, but is looking forward to the new season.
Hadjar, 21, said it is “a bit unreal” for him to be driving for the team, and that he has always dreamed of driving for Red Bull. He also expressed his excitement about the new livery, saying that he loves the front wing and gloss finish.
Racing Bulls Unveil New Livery
Racing Bulls also launched their livery at the joint event in Detroit, with drivers Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad on stage to unveil the team’s new look. The all-white livery is similar to last year’s design, with blue accents tracing the contours of the chassis for a sharper finish.
New Zealander Liam Lawson continues at Racing Bulls for a second year, with 18-year-old Briton, Arvid Lindblad, joining from the Red Bull junior programme as the youngest and only rookie on the grid for 2026. Lawson said he loves the new livery, particularly the white color and the addition of blue accents.
Lindblad expressed his excitement about joining the team and competing in his rookie year. Team Principal Alan Permane said 2026 is one of the biggest technical changes F1 has ever seen, and that partnering with Ford at the start of this journey is hugely significant for the team.
The Red Bull Ford Powertrains project brings together world-class engineering, innovation, and racing DNA, putting the team in a strong position as the sport enters this new era. With the new liveries unveiled, both Red Bull and Racing Bulls are ready to take on the 2026 Formula 1 season.
