Max Verstappen pulled the cover off the RB22 on Friday, his new Red Bull car for the upcoming Formula 1 season. During a special season launch event in Detroit, the team and engine partner Ford unveiled the new 2026 livery. Red Bull has once again gone with the familiar design, rendered in a striking blue scheme and finished with a glossy clearcoat. Verstappen and teammate Isack Hadjar have already given the new look their approval.
Clad in the bright-blue team kit for 2026, Max Verstappen looked visibly fired up about ‘his’ new car. “Everyone is really looking forward to it — and so am I,” he laughed. “And as you can see, our colours have changed a little,” he said, nodding to his new outfit. The show’s host then asked the four-time world champion to do a turn to show off the new merchandise. “Want to see my backside?” the Dutchman quipped.
‘I’ve been asking for this for a while’
Not long after, the cover came off the actual car. “I think the car looks much better,” Verstappen said, pleased. “I’ve been asking for this for a while,” he added, referring to the glossy new livery. “I love that shine, I love the blue. It looks fresh.”
Teammate Isack Hadjar was also full of praise for the design. “I really like that glossy finish,” he added. “During night races that will look really, really good.” The young Parisian is heading into his first season with Red Bull’s senior team; he inherits Yuki Tsunoda’s seat this year. “It’s incredible,” he continued enthusiastically. “I’ve always dreamed of racing for this team. As a child I watched Sebastian Vettel win all those titles, and now I’m finally racing for the big team. It’s a privilege to drive for Red Bull and to stand alongside Max Verstappen.”
