Not six weeks have passed since Lando Norris clinched the Formula 1 title in Abu Dhabi, but—like the Easter eggs popping up on supermarket shelves on New Year’s Day—we already have our first glimpse of what the 2026 Formula 1 grid will look like. There should be a law against this. Or something.
Anyway, this time it’s Red Bull and sister squad Racing Bulls first out of the blocks, unveiling their new carbon-fiber gowns at a glitzy, live-streamed ceremony held at a former train station in Detroit.
Why? The building is owned by Ford, you see, and that’s significant because Red Bull has partnered up with the Blue Oval to build its very own engine for the first time. No more complaining about Renault or going cap in hand to Honda—Red Bull is the master of its own fate now.
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So, in a nod to the upheaval behind the scenes, the team has returned to the glossy paint it began with when it made its debut in the sport in 2005.
“I love the new livery,” said Max Verstappen, no doubt plucked several weeks earlier than he would’ve liked from an extra-long winter holiday. “It is a more retro look, the color is really bold and blue, I really like it.”
“I’m not sure the mechanics will be happy about the time it’ll take to keep this clean! But it’s going to look really slick and will be nice for everyone to see out on track.”
Meanwhile, Racing Bulls—or RB, or VCARB, or however you want to refer to it—has stuck with the predominantly white scheme that served it so well as it finished sixth in the standings last season.
Naturally, there are flashes of blue because of the Ford association, but the junior team scores additional cool points with us for those white wheels. Check out the galleries below...presumably those aren’t steelies?
As Isack Hadjar has been promoted to the full Red Bull team, that has opened up a slot at RB for rookie Arvid Lindblad. The 18-year-old Brit finished sixth in F2 last year, and steps up to the big time alongside teammate Liam Lawson.
“This moment is honestly surreal,” said Lindblad. “To be introduced as a Formula 1 driver at an event like this, in such an iconic setting, is something I’ll never forget. I’m ready to learn, to work, and to give everything on track as we start this new chapter together.”
Anyhow, what do you think of the new liveries? Are they hot? Are they not? Or have we simply not had enough of a break from F1 to care just yet?
The comments section is all yours…
More photos of Oracle Red Bull Racing’s 2026 Formula 1 livery:
More photos of Visa Cash App Racing Bull’s 2026 Formula 1 livery:
NOTE: This story first appeared on TopGear.com. Minor edits have been made.
