Red Bull and Racing Bulls Inaugurate 2026 F1 Era with Ford Powertrain Launch and Livery Unveil in Detroit

Detroit, Michigan – In a landmark event marking a significant shift in Formula 1’s future landscape, Red Bull Racing and its sister team, Racing Bulls, became the inaugural constructors to publicly showcase the liveries for their 2026 challengers. The dual unveiling took place on January 15 in Detroit, Michigan, a location strategically chosen to underscore a pivotal new partnership with American automotive giant, Ford. This event not only offered a glimpse of the aesthetic direction for the teams’ cars but also officially launched the highly anticipated Red Bull Powertrains project in collaboration with Ford.

The decision to host the event in the home city of the Ford Motor Company served as a potent symbol of the renewed alliance between one of F1’s most successful recent teams and a manufacturer with a storied, albeit intermittent, history in the sport. Following the conclusion of its successful partnership with Honda at the end of the 2025 season, the Milton Keynes-based Red Bull outfit is set to embark on a new chapter, developing its own power units in conjunction with Ford for the extensively revised 2026 technical regulations.

The 2026 Formula 1 season is poised to introduce one of the most comprehensive overhauls in the sport’s recent history, primarily focusing on power unit regulations and chassis design. The new power units will feature an increased electrical component, a simplified hybrid system, and will run on 100% sustainable fuels. This regulatory shift has prompted several manufacturers to either re-enter or intensify their involvement, with Red Bull’s internal powertrain development, backed by Ford, representing one of the most ambitious projects. The collaboration is expected to leverage Ford’s extensive engineering capabilities and global research and development infrastructure, particularly in electrification and internal combustion engine technology.

Red Bull Racing, under the leadership of team principal Laurent Mekies, enters this new era following a period of unprecedented dominance. The team has secured multiple Constructors’ Championships and has seen its lead driver, four-time world champion Max Verstappen, achieve remarkable success, accumulating a significant number of race wins, pole positions, and fastest laps in recent seasons. Verstappen’s precision driving and aggressive race craft have been instrumental in the team’s championship campaigns. The 2026 season will see Verstappen paired with Isack Hadjar, a talent promoted from the Racing Bulls stable, whose progression through junior categories has been closely monitored by the Red Bull driver development program. Hadjar’s integration into the senior team represents a strategic investment in future talent, aiming to build a long-term formidable driver pairing.

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Racing Bulls, formerly known as AlphaTauri and before that Toro Rosso, continues its crucial role as Red Bull’s sister team and talent incubator. The rebranding to Racing Bulls signifies a closer alignment and potentially a more integrated technical relationship with the senior team, though the extent of this synergy under the new regulations remains to be fully seen. The team’s 2026 driver lineup features Liam Lawson, who impressed during his previous F1 outings as a stand-in, demonstrating maturity and speed beyond his experience. He will be joined by rookie Arvid Lindblad, a highly-rated prospect from the Red Bull Junior Team, whose achievements in karting and junior single-seater categories mark him as a future talent to watch. Alan Permane will lead Racing Bulls as its team principal, tasked with guiding the team through the challenges of the new regulations while continuing its mission of developing future F1 stars.

The re-entry of Ford into Formula 1, albeit as a technical partner rather than a full engine manufacturer, carries significant historical weight. Ford has a rich legacy in F1, notably through its Cosworth engine partnership, which powered numerous championship-winning cars, including Michael Schumacher’s first title with Benetton in 1994. The company’s return highlights the increasing commercial and technological appeal of Formula 1, particularly with the emphasis on sustainable technology. Daniel Ricciardo, who was confirmed as a Ford Racing brand ambassador in September 2025, was also a prominent figure at the Detroit launch, further cementing the connection between the American automotive giant and the Red Bull Racing family. His role is anticipated to involve promotional activities and engagement with Ford’s global motorsport initiatives.

The launch event was structured into two distinct segments on January 15. The initial livestream, hosted by Ford, commenced at 19:00 local time in Detroit (00:00 GMT on Friday, January 16; 01:00 CET on Friday, January 16; 16:00 PST; 09:00 JST on Friday, January 16; 08:00 CST China on Friday, January 16). This segment likely focused on the strategic implications of Ford’s return to F1 and its collaboration with Red Bull Powertrains.

Following this, the main Red Bull and Racing Bulls launch event, which unveiled the 2026 liveries and presented the new driver lineups, began at 22:00 local time in Detroit (03:00 GMT on Friday, January 16; 04:00 CET on Friday, January 16; 19:00 PST; 12:00 JST on Friday, January 16; 11:00 CST China on Friday, January 16). Both events were livestreamed globally via the Red Bull Racing YouTube channel, allowing a worldwide audience to witness the proceedings in real-time. The replays of the full launch event remain available on the platform for those unable to watch live.

Speaking at the event, Laurent Mekies, Team Principal of Red Bull Racing, stated, "The 2026 regulations represent a monumental engineering challenge and a fantastic opportunity. Partnering with Ford for our Red Bull Powertrains project is not just a strategic alliance; it’s a melding of expertise and ambition. We are incredibly excited about what we can achieve together as we enter this new era of Formula 1."

Jim Farley, President and CEO of Ford, commented on the partnership, saying, "Formula 1 offers an unparalleled global platform for innovation and showcasing sustainable technology. Our collaboration with Red Bull Racing and Red Bull Powertrains marks Ford’s return to the pinnacle of motorsport in a meaningful way, aligning perfectly with our global electrification and sustainability goals. We are proud to bring American ingenuity to the world stage of F1."

Max Verstappen, reflecting on the future, remarked, "The 2026 cars will be a completely new challenge, and the development work happening behind the scenes for the new power unit is immense. To be part of this journey from the very beginning with Red Bull Powertrains and Ford is incredibly motivating. We’re working hard to ensure we hit the ground running when the new regulations arrive."

Alan Permane, Team Principal for Racing Bulls, added, "This is an exciting time for Racing Bulls. With Liam and Arvid, we have a blend of proven talent and raw potential. Our role is to provide them with a competitive package and continue our tradition of nurturing future champions, all while adapting to the significant technical shifts coming in 2026."

Daniel Ricciardo, in his capacity as Ford Racing brand ambassador, expressed his enthusiasm: "It’s fantastic to see Ford back in Formula 1. They have such a rich history, and to be part of their journey back into the sport, especially with the Red Bull family, is something I’m very proud of. The future of F1, with these new regulations and sustainable fuels, is incredibly exciting for fans and everyone involved."

The collaborative effort between Red Bull Racing, Racing Bulls, and Ford signifies a bold strategic move ahead of the 2026 season. It represents a commitment to self-sufficiency for Red Bull in terms of power unit supply and a renewed dedication from Ford to the technological advancements at the forefront of global motorsport. The Detroit launch has set the stage for what promises to be a transformative period for both teams and for Formula 1 itself, as the sport embraces a more sustainable and technically demanding future.

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Jonas Leo: Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.

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