By Ed Griffiths,
Published: 16/01/2026
Max Verstappen conceded that adapting to the new machinery will require patience as he seeks to wrestle back the championship from Lando Norris
Red Bull revealed their 2026 challenger overnight at a launch event in Detroit, presenting a machine that marks a significant departure from recent seasons.
The Milton Keynes squad has abandoned the dark navy matte finish that characterised their recent cars in favour of a brighter, glossier blue set against a white base.
According to the team, this striking new livery serves as a nod to their original appearance when they entered Formula 1 in 2005.
The RB22 also prominently displays Ford's branding, reflecting the American manufacturer's role as Red Bull's new engine partner for this campaign.
Max Verstappen conceded that adapting to the new machinery will require patience as he seeks to wrestle back the championship from Lando Norris.
The four-time world champion saw his remarkable winning streak end at last season's Abu Dhabi finale, where his impressive late charge fell just short of preventing Norris from securing his first title.
At the Detroit event, Verstappen said: "It's all still a bit unknown.
"It's a very big change with the engine, the dimension of the car has changed."
Max Verstappen conceded that adapting to the new machinery will require patience as he seeks to wrestle back the championship from Lando Norris
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GETTY
He added: "For the drivers, it will take a bit of time to adjust and that's why it's very important during the test days that we are getting our laps in."
Despite trailing by over 100 points before his late surge, Verstappen remains energised heading into the new campaign.
He said: "The motivation is very high, everyone is very excited to start this new chapter."
Laurent Mekies, the team principal, acknowledged that Red Bull face an enormous task as they embark on producing their own power unit alongside strategic partner Ford.
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Red Bull revealed their 2026 challenger overnight at a launch event in Detroit
|
GETTY
Mekies said: "It's going to be the biggest change of regulations in Formula 1 history, but that was not enough. We decided to do our own power unit with our strategic partner Ford. It's a crazy challenge."
He was candid about the difficulties that lie ahead for the Milton Keynes operation.
Mekies added: "We are not naive. We know it is going to come with a certain amount of struggle. We know it is going to come with difficulties."
The 2026 power units will depend far more heavily on electrical energy than previous generations, requiring drivers to manage various modes whilst travelling at speeds of 200mph.
The Milton Keynes squad has abandoned the dark navy matte finish that characterised their recent cars in favour of a brighter
|
GETTY
Powertrain technical director Ben Hodgkinson believes this complexity could favour Red Bull's driver pairing, suggesting those with the greatest cognitive capacity behind the wheel will excel.
Hodgkinson said: "I think that puts us in a really good position with the drivers that we have."
Verstappen will be partnered this season by Isack Hadjar, the 21-year-old Frenchman who secured a maiden podium at Zandvoort in August during an impressive debut campaign with Racing Bulls.
Hadjar said: "A maiden race win would be good at least."
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According to the team, this striking new livery serves as a nod to their original appearance when they entered Formula 1 in 2005.
The RB22 also prominently displays Ford's branding, reflecting the American manufacturer's role as Red Bull's new engine partner for this campaign.
Max Verstappen conceded that adapting to the new machinery will require patience as he seeks to wrestle back the championship from Lando Norris.
The four-time world champion saw his remarkable winning streak end at last season's Abu Dhabi finale, where his impressive late charge fell just short of preventing Norris from securing his first title.
At the Detroit event, Verstappen said: "It's all still a bit unknown.
"It's a very big change with the engine, the dimension of the car has changed."
Max Verstappen conceded that adapting to the new machinery will require patience as he seeks to wrestle back the championship from Lando Norris
GETTY
He added: "For the drivers, it will take a bit of time to adjust and that's why it's very important during the test days that we are getting our laps in."
Despite trailing by over 100 points before his late surge, Verstappen remains energised heading into the new campaign.
He said: "The motivation is very high, everyone is very excited to start this new chapter."
Laurent Mekies, the team principal, acknowledged that Red Bull face an enormous task as they embark on producing their own power unit alongside strategic partner Ford.
Red Bull revealed their 2026 challenger overnight at a launch event in Detroit
GETTY
Mekies said: "It's going to be the biggest change of regulations in Formula 1 history, but that was not enough. We decided to do our own power unit with our strategic partner Ford. It's a crazy challenge."
He was candid about the difficulties that lie ahead for the Milton Keynes operation.
Mekies added: "We are not naive. We know it is going to come with a certain amount of struggle. We know it is going to come with difficulties."
The 2026 power units will depend far more heavily on electrical energy than previous generations, requiring drivers to manage various modes whilst travelling at speeds of 200mph.
The Milton Keynes squad has abandoned the dark navy matte finish that characterised their recent cars in favour of a brighter
GETTY
Powertrain technical director Ben Hodgkinson believes this complexity could favour Red Bull's driver pairing, suggesting those with the greatest cognitive capacity behind the wheel will excel.
Hodgkinson said: "I think that puts us in a really good position with the drivers that we have."
Verstappen will be partnered this season by Isack Hadjar, the 21-year-old Frenchman who secured a maiden podium at Zandvoort in August during an impressive debut campaign with Racing Bulls.
Hadjar said: "A maiden race win would be good at least."
Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter
