Verstappen and Ricciardo to Reunite at Red Bull's 2026 Launch Event in Detroit
Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo will reunite at Red Bull's 2026 livery launch in Detroit, celebrating the team's new Ford power unit era.
Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo are set to reunite this Thursday as Red Bull unveils its 2026 livery in Detroit, marking a pivotal moment for the team's new era with Ford. The event highlights the debut of Red Bull's first in-house power unit, developed in collaboration with the American automotive giant, signaling a bold step away from their previous customer engine arrangements.
Why it matters:
This launch signifies a massive strategic shift for Red Bull Racing as they transition from being a customer team to a fully integrated power unit manufacturer. With Verstappen aiming for a fifth world title after a narrow loss to Lando Norris last season, the reliability and performance of this new engine are critical to reclaiming dominance in the sport.
The details:
- Historic Shift: The Milton Keynes squad has built the new engine internally for the first time in its history, leveraging Ford's technical expertise. This move is designed to secure long-term competitiveness and reduce reliance on external suppliers.
- Driver Lineup: Verstappen enters the season with a new teammate, Isack Hadjar. The Frenchman earned his promotion following a promising rookie campaign with Racing Bulls, stepping up to the senior squad.
- Star Power: The guest list features Daniel Ricciardo, who spent five seasons at Red Bull alongside Verstappen. Since retiring from F1 in 2024, he has served as a global ambassador for Ford Racing and will be a special guest at the unveiling.
- American Influence: The Detroit location underscores the significance of the Ford partnership. Other motorsport icons attending include three-time NASCAR champion Joey Logano and five-time Formula Drift champion James Deane.
What's next:
The launch event kicks off at 7 PM local time, where fans will get their first glimpse of the 2026 liveries for both Red Bull and Racing Bulls. The immediate focus will shift to how the new power unit performs on track, as the team prepares for the intense battle ahead in the upcoming championship.