Verstappen and Ricciardo Reunite for Red Bull's 2026 Livery Launch in Detroit

Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo are set to share the spotlight once again, this time off the track in Detroit for the 2026 livery launches of Red Bull and Racing Bulls. The event marks a pivotal moment for the team as they unveil cars powered by their first in-house power unit developed in partnership with Ford.

Why it matters:

This launch signifies a massive technological shift for Red Bull Racing. For the first time, the team will race with a power unit designed and built entirely in-house through Red Bull Powertrains, moving away from their previous Honda partnership. This transition, backed by Ford, represents a bid for long-term independence and performance dominance in the new regulations era.

The details:

• The Reunion: Ricciardo, now a Ford ambassador, joins Verstappen to celebrate their shared history from 2016 to 2018, adding a layer of nostalgia to the technical showcase.
• Location: Detroit serves as the symbolic backdrop, highlighting Ford's deep involvement and the transatlantic nature of this new engineering chapter.
• Lineup: Verstappen leads the charge alongside newly promoted Isack Hadjar, while Ricciardo plays a key ambassadorial role.
• Viewing: Fans can watch the unveiling live via the Red Bull Racing YouTube channel starting at 22h00 local time (4h00 CET).

What's next:

As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on Milton Keynes to see if this ambitious powertrain project can translate into on-track success. The Detroit event is just the starting gun for a season defined by bold engineering changes and high expectations.