Verstappen gives big thumbs up to Red Bull change: ‘This is great!’

Max Verstappen couldn’t hide his excitement on Thursday night as Red Bull Racing unveiled its bold new livery for the 2026 Formula 1 season in Detroit.

After years of incremental design tweaks, the team has gone for a striking throwback glossy blue look, signaling a fresh start as they prepare to debut their first in-house power unit.

For the four-time F1 world champion, the new design was exactly what he had been hoping for.

“I think it’s much better,” Verstappen said of Red Bull’s new-look.

“Yeah, I’ve been asking for this for a while, so this is great. I like the shine, I like the blue, it’s my favourite colour. I like the outline of the Red Bull logo as well. It’s much more fresh.”

Verstappen’s enthusiasm was matched by his new teammate, 21-year-old Isack Hadjar, who has stepped up from Red Bull’s sister team. For the young Frenchman, the launch was a dream come true.

"It is a bit unreal for me. I have always dreamed of driving for this team,” he said, sporting a broad smile.

“As a kid watching TV, I saw Vettel winning all those titles. I am finally in the big team. It is a real privilege to be part of Oracle Red Bull Racing and be next to Max.

“I love the front wing and gloss as during night races it will stand out. I am fully adapted and in the rhythm. A maiden race win would be good."

Heading Into the Unknown

The RB22 livery reveal, hosted at the home of Red Bull’s new power unit partner Ford, represents more than just a visual refresh.

It coincides with the start of one of the most significant technical resets in Formula 1 history, as Red Bull enters the 2026 season with a completely in-house engine.

Verstappen is well aware of the challenges that lie ahead, particularly with the team expecting some engine “struggles” in the early months.

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“It’s all still a bit unknown,” Verstappen admitted. “Of course it’s a very big change with the engine, the car – as you can see, the dimension of the car has changed a bit.

“For us drivers, initially it will take a bit of time to adjust, and that’s why it’s very important during the test days that we are getting our laps in and that we can optimise everything as well as possible.

“The motivation is very high, everyone is ready. I’m very excited to start this new chapter.”

Verstappen will get his first taste of the 2026 challenger during a private team shakedown in Barcelona from 26–30 January.

With the combination of a dazzling new livery, a new-generation engine, and a promising teammate at his side, Red Bull Racing’s 2026 season is already shaping up to be one of the most eagerly anticipated chapters in the team’s history.

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