Red Bull Unveils RB22 with In-House Ford Power Unit for 2026 Season

Red Bull has officially unveiled the RB22, marking a pivotal moment as the team transitions to an in-house power unit developed in strategic partnership with Ford. The release of these studio images precedes the car's physical debut at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, where the squad will test their ambitious engineering against the demands of the new 2026 regulatory era.

Why it matters:

For the first time in its history, Red Bull Racing will compete using a power unit built entirely within its own facility, Red Bull Powertrains. This move represents a fundamental shift in the team's DNA, removing reliance on external manufacturers and placing their destiny squarely in their own hands. The collaboration with Ford brings the "Blue Oval" back to F1 for the first time since 2004, aiming to combine Red Bull's recent aerodynamic dominance with Ford's historical manufacturing pedigree.

The details:

• New Powertrain: The engine is designed to meet 2026 standards requiring a near 50/50 split between internal combustion and electric power, utilizing 100% sustainable energy.
• Driver Lineup: The RB22 will be piloted by four-time world champion Max Verstappen and young recruit Isack Hadjar, blending legendary experience with soaring ambition.
• Technical Shift: The car features a smaller, lighter chassis and active aerodynamics, necessitating a fresh engineering approach compared to previous seasons.
• Immediate Action: The car is slated for a critical shakedown this week in Barcelona to gather first real-world data on the new package.

What's next:

The upcoming Barcelona sessions will provide the first concrete indication of whether Red Bull’s "all-in" gamble on its own engine department will pay immediate dividends. All eyes will be on Melbourne in March to see if this new powertrain can keep them at the front of the pack.