The 2026 Red Bull era begins in Detroit: Max Verstappen shares his thoughts on the striking new RB22
The season of official livery launches has finally begun. The 2026 F1 season kicked off last night in Detroit, USA, with the unveiling of the new liveries for both Oracle Red Bull Racing and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls.
In Michigan, Team Principals Laurent Mekies and Alan Permane took center stage to reveal the new designs, which feature a heavy Ford-inspired blue aesthetic.
This marks the beginning of a new era, as the American manufacturer returns to the sport to develop the Power Units for both the Milton Keynes and Faenza squads for 2026.
Verstappen’s Verdict: “We are ready”
Despite losing the World Championship by just two points only a month ago, morale within Max Verstappen’s camp and the entire Red Bull team remains at an all-time high. With the sport entering a period of revolutionary technical changes, Milton Keynes has embraced a fresh start—one that Verstappen welcomes wholeheartedly. “I think it looks much better,” the Dutchman remarked.
““Yes, I’ve been asking for this for a while, so it’s truly fantastic. I love everything about it: the gloss finish, the blue—which is my favorite color. I also really like the updated outline of the Red Bull logo. It feels much fresher. Though, I’m not sure the mechanics will be happy about how long it takes to keep it clean!” “
“It’s going to look very elegant and beautiful in action. Of course, there are still many unknowns. The changes are significant, both regarding the power unit and the car’s aerodynamics. We drivers will need some time to adapt.
Verstappen concluded with a clear focus on the upcoming season: “That’s why it will be crucial to get as many laps as possible during testing to optimize everything. Motivation is incredibly high. Everyone is ready and excited to start this new chapter, and so am I.”
Photo: Oracle Red Bull Racing
