Red Bull Racing Confirms RB22 Launch Date in Detroit

Red Bull Racing has officially confirmed that the launch of Max Verstappen's RB22, alongside the Racing Bulls' 2026 car, will take place on January 15 in Detroit, Michigan. This unveiling marks a significant new chapter for Red Bull as Formula 1 heads into its next regulation cycle in 2026, where the team will debut its self-built power units in collaboration with Ford.

Why it matters:

This launch event is more than just a car reveal; it signifies Red Bull's ambitious step into manufacturing its own power units with Ford for the 2026 regulations. This move could fundamentally alter the competitive dynamics of Formula 1, shifting Red Bull from a customer engine team to a full-fledged constructor, potentially challenging the dominance of established engine manufacturers like Mercedes and Ferrari.

The details:

• Official Confirmation: Red Bull Racing announced the RB22 launch will be on January 15 in Detroit, Michigan, as previously reported by GPblog.
• Dual Unveiling: The event will also feature the unveiling of the Racing Bulls' car for the 2026 season, highlighting the synergy within the Red Bull family of teams.
• Strategic Location: Detroit, Michigan, is a symbolic choice, being the home of Ford, Red Bull's new power unit partner for the 2026 regulations.
• New Power Unit Era: The 2026 season introduces significant regulation changes, particularly regarding power units. Red Bull will, for the first time, build its own power units in collaboration with Ford, marking a major internal shift for the team.
• Car vs. Livery: It remains to be seen whether the full car design or only its new livery will be revealed to the public during the event.
• Driver Lineup: Max Verstappen is the only driver confirmed for the RB22 in the upcoming campaign, having committed to the team for next year. While Isack Hadjar also enjoys 'seat security' for 2026, it is yet to be confirmed whether he will drive for Red Bull Racing or Racing Bulls, whose lineup is also incomplete.

What's next:

The January 15 launch will provide the first glimpse into Red Bull's vision for the 2026 regulations and its new partnership with Ford. While the full technical details of the RB22 and the Racing Bulls' car may not be entirely disclosed, the event will set the tone for Red Bull's ambitious self-sufficient approach to Formula 1. The focus will then shift to pre-season testing and further announcements regarding driver lineups, particularly for the Racing Bulls team, as the 2026 season approaches.