Red Bull and VCARB Launch their 2026 Cars
- Olivia Myers
- Jan 18
- 3 min read
In Detroit, the Red Bull family is putting on a show for us to reveal the 2026 challengers. Here is a recount of what happened during the launch.
All times shown are in GMT
3:00 am - The launch began with the technical director of Ford on stage, giving an introduction to Ford as a motoring company and a Formula One partner. This highlighted and established the new collaboration between them and Red Bull as engine manufacturers and created excitement surrounding what Ford Racing plans to bring to the table.
3:06 am - Our host, Nicole Briscoe, was now joined on stage by Oracle Red Bull Racing’s Team Principal, Laurent Mekies. He began by talking about the regulation changes for 2026, highlighting how it provides a perfect window for new risks and engine development. He also spoke on how 2026 will likely “be a year of challenges” with so much still being unknown. The head of Ford Racing agreed greatly and they also highlighted their ability to have completed this project in such a short amount of time.
3:10 am - Ben Hodgkinson, one of the main engineers within the project, joined the event virtually to speak on how the collaborating parties are currently focusing on race day preparations and ensuring all aspects are ready for testing in Barcelona.
3:20 am - Following Ben, a familiar face, Callum Nicholas (aka F1mech), who wore a VR headset, also joined the event in order to display a virtual model of the newly built engine.
3:30 am - Montages displaying the Red Bull racing family teams played, highlighting team history, culture and success, followed by Formula One CEO, Stefano Domenicali, and a returning Mekies, now sporting new team wear, who each gave a rundown of what to expect in 2026.
3:40 am - Red Bull Racing’s 2026 line-up was introduced, with drivers Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar making an appearance. Immediately, a joke about Verstappen playing the role of being ‘the father of the grid's rookies” was made in reference to Hadjar- a popular joke on social media. Then, in a dramatic montage, the 2026 Red Bull Racing livery was revealed! It’s a change from the previous year, with bolder colours and a dark blue taking up most of the car. In a reflection of older Red Bull liveries, this year's one is covered in a gloss finish, adding a shine to the car. It also shows less carbon fibre, reflecting the new ruling that cars must be covered at least 55%.
3:50 am - Following this exciting reveal, attention turned to Red Bull’s sister team, VCARB, with a focus on how its role is to support upcoming talent. The 2026 drivers for VCARB, Liam Lawson and rookie Arvid Lindblad, then joined the stage, both sporting new race suits which were quite similar to the year prior. Quickly, the 2026 livery was revealed, displaying a continuation of the iconic bright white from last year with a few Ford-blue bits added in. A talk to the drivers followed, with a nod to their presence on social media during the season.
4:00 am - VCARB bosses new joined the stage for a final opinion on the new car, along with the opportunities the team is giving to young drivers.
4:03 am - Then end of an exciting livery event was marked with the whole Red Bull family returning to the stage for a last goodbye.
Article written by Imogen Moggridge © Imogen Moggridge 2026
