Red Bull Hints at Livery Change for New Ford Era
Red Bull Racing is teasing a potential change to its long-standing Formula 1 car livery ahead of its new power unit partnership with Ford, set to begin in 2026. A social media post announcing the 2026 car reveal in Detroit prominently featured an older version of the team's logo with a white trim, hinting at a design refresh. This move comes as Max Verstappen and many fans have expressed a desire for a livery update, potentially signifying a new visual identity for the team's next chapter with Ford.
Red Bull Racing has signaled a potential shift in its iconic F1 car livery, coinciding with its upcoming partnership with American automotive giant Ford as its power unit supplier from 2026. This move hints at a fresh visual identity for the championship-winning team as it enters a new chapter.
Why it matters:
Red Bull's livery has been a cornerstone of its brand identity, especially during its dominant years with Max Verstappen. A significant change could mark a symbolic fresh start for the team, reflecting the new technical partnership with Ford and potentially aligning with broader F1 regulation changes in 2026. It's a rare shake-up for a team known for consistency in its visual branding.
The details:
- Red Bull announced it would unveil its 2026 look in Detroit, Ford's hometown, in mid-January, alongside its sister team, Racing Bulls.
- A social media post confirming the January 15th reveal prominently featured an older version of the team's logo.
- Logo Evolution: The current Red Bull logo (since 2016) has a yellow outline around its main yellow sun and red bull emblem. The teaser post, however, displayed the older logo, which features a thicker, white trim.
- The last car to race with this older logo style was the RB11 in 2015.
- Driver & Fan Sentiment: Max Verstappen has previously expressed a desire for Red Bull to innovate with its livery, a sentiment widely echoed by F1 fans who appreciate visual novelty on the grid.
- Brand Identity vs. Innovation: While the existing livery is integral to Red Bull's strong brand identity and its recent successes, the Ford partnership provides a compelling reason to refresh the visual design without sacrificing its core recognition.
What's next:
The upcoming reveal in Detroit in January will confirm the extent of Red Bull's livery changes. This anticipated update will not only signal a new aesthetic but also the official start of the Red Bull-Ford era, aligning with the dawn of a new regulatory chapter for Formula 1. It will be a key moment for fans and competitors alike to see how Red Bull balances its established identity with a new, forward-looking partnership.