Overview
- Red Bull will race with its own Ford-partnered power unit under the Red Bull Ford Powertrains banner, with the first unit named DM01 in tribute to Dietrich Mateschitz.
- The glossy throwback blue livery was shown on a showcar, with the true RB22 and power unit set for a private Barcelona shakedown on January 26–30 before Bahrain testing in February.
- Team principal Laurent Mekies said the squad anticipates “trailing” early as it learns its new engine and targets a fast development pace in the opening months.
- Max Verstappen endorsed the new look, said adapting to the “very different” 2026 package will take time, and will run No. 3 alongside promoted teammate Isack Hadjar.
- The launch confirms Ford’s return and Red Bull’s shift to a fully integrated works program as 2026 regulations boost electric power contribution, introduce active aero and shrink car dimensions.