Overview
- The Detroit event at Michigan Central formally introduced the Red Bull Powertrains–Ford partnership, marking Ford’s return to Formula 1 after 22 years.
- Red Bull’s in-house hybrid unit has been developed in Milton Keynes by a rapidly built team of roughly 700 staff, with Ford as technical partner.
- Driver rosters were confirmed: Max Verstappen pairs with rookie Isack Hadjar at Red Bull, while Racing Bulls fields Liam Lawson with debutant Arvid Lindblad.
- Red Bull revealed a glossy retro blue livery praised by Verstappen; Racing Bulls kept a predominantly white scheme reflecting the group’s refreshed branding.
- The 2026 rules shrink and lighten cars, raise electrical output to about 50%, mandate 100% sustainable fuels and add active aero, with preseason running continuing in Bahrain after Barcelona.