Red Bull Unveils RB22 with In-House Ford Power Unit for Barcelona Test

Red Bull has officially unveiled the RB22, releasing fresh images and video of the car ahead of its first on-track appearance at the Circuit de Catalunya. The 2026-spec machine features the team's first in-house power unit, the DM01, developed in partnership with Ford, marking a new era for the Milton Keynes squad.

Why it matters:

After losing the drivers' championship to Lando Norris last season, Red Bull is under pressure to respond. The debut of the DM01 power unit is the most significant technical change for the team this year, and its performance will be critical in determining whether Red Bull can return to the front of the grid.

The details:

• Power Unit Debut: The RB22 is powered by the Red Bull Ford Powertrains DM01. This is the first engine built entirely by the team's powertrain division, a major shift from their previous supplier arrangements.
• Driver Lineup: Max Verstappen is partnered by new teammate Isack Hadjar for the Barcelona test. Both drivers will debut new helmet designs and Sparco race suits as they share driving duties over the three permitted days.
• Sister Team Advantage: While Red Bull opted against a private shakedown, the DM01 engine has already seen track action in the sister team's VCARB03. Former F1 driver Giedo van der Garde suggests this provides Red Bull with a data advantage and early confidence in reliability.
• Verstappen's Approach: Despite the high stakes, Verstappen remains relaxed. He stated on a recent stream that he is "pretty chilled" and focused on understanding the car's true competitiveness rather than stressing over early results.

What's next:

The team will utilize the three days of running in Barcelona to gather vital data on the new power unit and chassis. With initial reliability insights already gained from the Racing Bulls program, the focus will shift immediately to performance benchmarks and race simulation pace.