Red Bull has released images of the definitive RB22 — the car Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar will race in Formula 1 in 2026. At the so‑called season launch in Detroit the Austrian outfit only lifted the curtain a fraction, showing nothing more than the new car’s livery. This week Red Bull takes part in private tests at the Circuit de Barcelona‑Catalunya and will present the actual car for the first time.
In Detroit it was already clear Red Bull will hit the grid with an all‑new livery. Max Verstappen’s team has dressed the RB22 in a vivid blue scheme with a distinctive glossy finish. Verstappen has already voiced his excitement about the design, but the upcoming private tests will determine whether the car’s pace lives up to the looks. Between 26 and 30 January Red Bull has three test days with the RB22.
There are still plenty of question marks over the competitiveness of the field heading into the new season. Sweeping regulation changes to both chassis and power unit can reshuffle the pecking order. On top of that, 2026 will see Red Bull run a power unit of its own for the first time. In collaboration with car giant Ford the team has developed a brand‑new engine, which will be unleashed on the Barcelona circuit for the first proper running. Rivals such as Mercedes and Ferrari have already completed their initial shakedowns.
See the F1 calendar for 2026 here
