The 2026 Formula 1 season officially kicked off in Detroit. At the Michigan Central Station, Red Bull unveiled the livery of its new RB22. The event also celebrated the technical partnership with Ford, which for the first time will support the team in developing its own power unit.
The RB22’s design stands out with a deeper blue and a glossy finish. The look combines tradition with innovation, ready to make a mark on track. On stage, Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar presented the car to journalists, sponsors, and fans.
A humorous moment steals the spotlight
The most talked-about moment of the evening came during a playful interaction with host Nicole Briscoe. She asked Max Verstappen to turn around and show the team kit, to which the Dutch champion replied with an ironic comment. The audience laughed, and the clip quickly went viral on social media.
Verstappen on the 2026 regulations and the new RB22
Verstappen then commented on the regulatory changes and the new RB22: “Everything is still a bit unknown,” he explained. “The engine and the car are changing. Even the size of the car is different. For us drivers, it will take time to adapt. During testing, it will be crucial to complete enough laps to optimize everything as best as possible.”
Reflecting on last season, which ended with a strong comeback to finish second, he added: “It’s always better to start after a finale like that. Motivation is very high. Everyone is ready and excited for this new chapter.”
A new era for Red Bull power units
The RB22 also marks Red Bull’s first season producing its own power unit with Ford. The split between the electric component and internal combustion engine will be nearly equal, and the team aims to fully leverage this new technical autonomy.
With Max Verstappen ready to reclaim the lead on the grid and Hadjar making his debut with the main team, Red Bull is aiming for a strong start. Detroit offered the first glimpses of the RB22, but the real test will come on track during the pre-season testing in Barcelona and Bahrain.
As Max Verstappen transitions into the 2026 regulatory era, his focus remains firmly on the learning curve associated with Red Bull’s new technical independence. By acknowledging that “everything is still unknown,” the four-time champion highlights the sheer scale of the challenge posed by the new car dimensions and the 50/50 hybrid power split developed with Ford. Despite the humor seen on the Detroit stage, Max Verstappen’s high motivation and emphasis on testing mileage signal a driver who is fully aware that the early stages of this “Year Zero” will be won by those who adapt the fastest to the new mechanical reality.
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