Verstappen jokes on stage as Red Bull reveals first look at 2026 livery in Detroit
A night that signals change
According to GPblog, Red Bull and Ford staged a major launch event in Detroit to mark the strengthening of their partnership ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season. The occasion also celebrated the creation of Red Bull Ford Powertrains, which will supply engines to both Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls under the sport’s new regulations.
Ford used the event to outline its broader motorsport ambitions for the year, but attention inside the venue quickly centered on Formula 1 and the cars that will define its next technical chapter.
Fans in attendance were presented with the 2026 designs for both teams, offering one of the earliest public looks at how the regulation overhaul could reshape the grid.
Verstappen sets the tone
GPblog reported that Max Verstappen appeared relaxed and upbeat as he joined Isack Hadjar and team principal Laurent Mekies on stage during the unveiling.
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Dressed in the team’s new apparel, Verstappen was asked to turn around and show off the outfit to the crowd. He responded with a joke that drew laughter from both the audience and those on stage, saying, “Do you want to see my a**?”
The moment underlined the informal tone of the evening and reinforced Verstappen’s comfort in the spotlight as Red Bull enters another transitional phase.
Mekies frames a new era
The Detroit launch also marked an important milestone for Laurent Mekies, who stepped into the role of team principal after replacing Christian Horner during last season, according to GPblog.
“Seeing the new livery for the first time is one of those special moments; it starts to make you feel excited about the new season. We are going to look spectacular on track!” Mekies said.
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He added that the design reflects a broader shift within the sport. “This is a new and significant era for the sport as a whole and for us as a team. We wanted our livery to reflect this, while also giving a nod to Red Bull Racing’s beginnings.”
Why Detroit mattered
Holding the launch in Detroit carried symbolic weight, linking Red Bull’s Formula 1 future with Ford’s American roots as the two brands prepare for the sport’s biggest regulatory reset in years. The event positioned the partnership not just as a technical alliance, but as a statement of intent ahead of 2026.
Sources, GPblog
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