Red Bull and Ford jump the gun with 2026 livery reveal date!

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Red Bull is already revving up for a seismic 2026 F1 season, announcing a blockbuster livery reveal for both Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls on January 15 in Detroit, Michigan, right in the backyard of its new power unit partner, Ford.

That date won’t just be another flashy car reveal. It marks the dawn of a bold new chapter – the Red Bull Ford Powertrains era – as the bulls bid farewell to their dominant Honda partnership and shift gears toward F1’s revamped hybrid engine cycle.

The 2026 technical overhaul will usher in a new regulation platform, with power units featuring an almost equal split between combustion and electric power. Ford’s contribution to Red Bull Powertrains’ project was initially limited to the electrification component of the next-generation unit but it has since extended to the entire package.

A Bold Step Into the Future

“The launch of the Red Bull Ford Powertrains era represents not only a bold step into the future, but a powerful expression of what’s possible when world-class engineering, innovation, and passion come together,” said Red Bull CEO Laurent Mekies.

“To see the energy, precision, and scale behind this project is inspiring. It’s the culmination of several years of collaboration between two great names in motorsport.

“We’re incredibly excited to begin this new chapter, driven by the same determination and excellence that defines both Ford and Red Bull.”

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Racing Bulls boss Peter Bayer echoed that excitement, hailing Ford’s return to F1 as a milestone moment for the sport and for both organizations.

“We’re incredibly excited to welcome Ford back into the world of Formula 1,” he said. “With over 125 years of heritage, innovation, and absolute dedication to performance, Ford embodies the same competitive spirit that drives our team.

“This partnership brings together global brands united by a love of racing and a commitment to pushing boundaries.”

Ford’s Vision: Racing for the Road

For Ford, the alliance isn’t just about chasing podiums – it’s about shaping the technology that will drive its next generation of road cars and trucks.

“Since we announced our return to F1 with Red Bull, the Ford team have been working night and day to get ready for 2026,” said Ford Motor Company president Jim Farley.

“But this is about so much more than just the racing. It is about how we use our learnings from F1 to make our cars and trucks better for our customers.

“What we will learn together with Red Bull will define the technologies of the future and that is what excites me most about this relationship.”

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With the first pre-season test slated for 26–30 January 2026 at the Cirucit de Barcelona-Catalunya, teams will be hustling to adapt to the sweeping new chassis and engine regulations.

Whether the January 15 reveal showcases full-fledged contenders or just fresh liveries, one thing’s certain – Red Bull and Ford are out to set the tone for F1’s electrified future.

And under the bright lights of Detroit, the countdown to a new racing revolution will officially begin.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.