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Red Bull Unveils 2026 Gloss-Blue Livery in Detroit, Launches Ford Power Unit Era

The reveal marks the public start of Red Bull’s Ford-backed in-house engine program ahead of F1’s 2026 rules reset.

Overview

  • Red Bull confirmed its first homegrown power unit with Ford, named DM01 in tribute to founder Dietrich Mateschitz, with prominent Ford branding on the car.
  • Team principal Laurent Mekies cautioned the squad expects to be trailing early as it learns its new PU and chassis package under the sweeping 2026 regulations.
  • The cars shown were show models and renders rather than the real RB22, with the first running due at a private Barcelona shakedown on January 26–30 and Bahrain tests on February 11–13 and 18–20.
  • Max Verstappen and new teammate Isack Hadjar attended the launch, with Verstappen praising the glossy blue look and confirming he will race with number 3 in 2026.
  • Sister team Racing Bulls revealed an updated predominantly white design with blue accents and introduced rookie Arvid Lindblad alongside Liam Lawson.