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Red Bull Shows 2026 Livery in Detroit as Ford-Backed Power Unit Era Begins

Attention now turns to an FIA review of compression‑ratio compliance on January 22 and the first on‑track runs in Barcelona later in January.

Overview

  • Red Bull unveiled only paint and computer renderings at Michigan Central Station, keeping the real RB22 and its new DM01 power unit out of sight until the Barcelona shakedown.
  • Ford’s role was presented as substantive, including electrification expertise, 3D‑printed hardware, turbo components, and tools for battery management, simulation and calibration.
  • Rival manufacturers Audi, Ferrari and Honda questioned how the 16:1 compression‑ratio limit is interpreted, prompting an FIA technical meeting to address the issue on January 22.
  • Red Bull Powertrains director Ben Hodgkinson said the unit complies with the rules and described the criticism as background noise, adding the project was pushed to the edge of what is allowed.
  • Sister team Racing Bulls also revealed its 2026 look and confirmed rookie Arvid Lindblad alongside Liam Lawson, while Max Verstappen stays at Red Bull with No. 3 and newcomer Isack Hadjar as teammate.