Red Bull hints at 2026 livery change with new number font for Verstappen

Red Bull Racing has dropped another strong hint about a visual overhaul for the 2026 season, this time through the reveal of Max Verstappen's new car number design. The Dutch driver will switch to the number 3, a significant departure from his previous numbers and a move that coincides with the team's new era as a power unit manufacturer with Ford.

Why it matters:

A livery change for a top team like Red Bull is a major visual marker for a new regulatory era in Formula 1. For fans and the sport's presentation, it signifies a fresh start and renewed competition. More importantly, it visually underscores Red Bull's monumental shift from being solely a chassis constructor to a full-fledged power unit manufacturer for the first time, a move that could redefine its long-term competitive identity.

The details:

• Max Verstappen will adopt the number 3 for the 2026 season, a number last used full-time at Red Bull by Daniel Ricciardo. He is moving on from the number 1, now held by champion Lando Norris, and chose not to revert to his original number 33.
• The team revealed the new number font on social media, featuring a silver outline—a notable visual break from the design used since 2016.
• This change aligns with the broader technical revolution coming in 2026, featuring new chassis and power unit regulations.
• The number reveal follows previous hints from the team about a potential return to branding elements used prior to 2016, the last time the livery underwent a major redesign.

The big picture:

The aesthetic shift is tightly linked to Red Bull's most significant technical venture since its entry into the sport: developing its own power unit in partnership with Ford. This move ends Red Bull's long-standing customer relationship with Honda (and previously Renault) and places its competitive fate entirely in its own hands. The new livery and branding will serve as the public face of this new, more independent and ambitious chapter for the championship-winning team.

What's next:

All eyes will be on the official car launch, likely in early 2026, to see the full extent of Red Bull's new visual identity. The success of this new era, however, will ultimately be measured on track. The integration of the new Red Bull-Ford power unit and adaptation to the sweeping 2026 regulations will be the true test of whether this fresh look comes with fresh performance to challenge at the very front.