Red Bull Racing has unveiled its 2026 Formula 1 livery in Detroit, marking a significant moment for both the team and its fans. The launch took place at the iconic Michigan Central Station, chosen to highlight the beginning of Red Bull's new technical partnership with Ford.
This reveal was more than just a fresh paint job; it represented the first public milestone of the Red Bull Ford Powertrains project. After years of relying on customer engines, Red Bull is now taking a bold step toward developing its own Formula 1 power unit programme. The timing is crucial, as the team gears up for the sweeping regulation changes set to arrive in 2026. Red Bull's 2026 F1 livery marks a sleek upgrade from the 2025 version, blending fresh gloss with timeless aggression for the RB22 car. Here are the five biggest changes in Red Bull's livery compared to last year's design.
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Finish
One of the biggest changes is in the finish. The 2025 livery used a matte coating that gave the car a stealthy, understated look. It absorbed light, creating a shadowy effect on the track that felt subtle but sometimes too muted. The 2026 design switches to a glossy surface, which reflects race lights and sunlight in a striking way. This shine makes the car stand out more on television and in the paddock. The glossy finish also adds depth and a premium touch, making the RB22 look faster even when stationary and allowing fans to notice finer details up close.

Blue Shade
The older livery relied on a very dark blue-black tone, which looked intense but often blended into shadows. The new design introduces a lighter, more vibrant blue presented in a jacquard weave pattern. This subtle texture gives the impression of woven threads, adding liveliness and movement to the car's appearance. Under bright lights or sunlight, the shade seems to dance, keeping the team's identity intact while making the car feel modern and energetic.
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Logo
The Red Bull emblem has been refined. In 2025, the bull logo was large and blocky, dominating the nose without much elegance. For 2026, it has been scaled down and outlined in white, giving it sharper definition and breathing space. Driver numbers also follow this cleaner approach, now displayed with white bases rimmed in red, making them easier to read from a distance and improving overall branding.

Numbers
Numbers in 2025 blended into the matte background, often going unnoticed. The 2026 version makes them bold, with white fields edged in red. This design mimics the look of Red Bull cans, boosting recognition and ensuring visibility during high-speed action.
Partners
Partnership logos also highlight change. Honda badges were prominent in 2025, reflecting the power unit partnership. In 2026, Ford Racing takes over, with logos placed neatly on the halo, engine cover, and sidepods. This marks the new engine deal and integrates corporate ties smoothly, giving the RB22 a forward-looking and cohesive design.
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