Red Bull is the first team, alongside Racing Bulls, to unveil their 2026 car, with Max Verstappen sharing his initial impressions.
Last night in Italy, Red Bull and Racing Bulls lifted the covers on their 2026 F1 cars, revealing the new liveries ahead of all other teams. The event took place in Detroit at Ford’s headquarters, with drivers Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar present. Max Verstappen spoke about his first impressions of the new car.
The new car seems to take inspiration from the past. After years of fairly similar liveries, Red Bull returns to a brighter blue, celebrating its partnership with Ford, which is assisting the team in building the new power unit.
The new color choices were particularly well received by the team’s lead driver.
Verstappen’s humorous comments
Verstappen’s first remarks about the new kit and Red Bull livery drew laughter from the audience. When the presenter asked him to turn around to better show the car, he joked: “Do you want to see my a**?”
The world champion then focused on the livery and aesthetic details, highlighting the clear evolution from past designs. “I think it’s much better. I’ve been asking for a change like this for a while, so it’s fantastic for me,” Verstappen explained. “I like the glossy finish, I like the blue—it’s my favorite color—and I also like the Red Bull logo outlines. Everything feels much fresher.”
The 2026 season
But it’s not just about aesthetics. The 2026 season introduces a completely new technical era, with revised regulations and modified car dimensions. Verstappen is aware of the challenges that lie ahead for drivers.
“It’s a big change, with both the engine and the car. The dimensions have also changed a bit, and it will take time for us to adapt,” he admitted. “That’s why the testing days are so important: we need to run a lot and optimize everything as best as possible.”
Looking ahead, the Dutch driver emphasized how the positive finish to last season provides extra motivation. “It’s always better to end a championship with that momentum. Motivation is high, everyone is ready, and I’m very excited to start this new chapter.”
Max Verstappen’s lighthearted demeanor at the Detroit launch belies the serious technical challenge that lies ahead for Red Bull as they embark on their first journey as a full engine manufacturer. By combining his personal aesthetic preferences for a “fresher” glossy blue with a realistic outlook on the 2026 regulatory shift, Max Verstappen is positioning himself as a leader who is both comfortable and focused. As the team transitions into the Ford era, the champion’s high motivation and emphasis on testing mileage suggest that despite the “cheeky” jokes, Red Bull is approaching this new technical chapter with the clinical precision required to stay at the front of the grid.
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