Racing Bulls unveils refined 2026 livery ahead of Ford partnership era

Racing Bulls' Conservative Approach to 2026 Design

Racing Bulls has unveiled its 2026 Formula 1 livery at a joint launch event with sister team Red Bull Racing in Detroit, Michigan, adopting a refined rather than revolutionary approach to its livery design. Unlike Red Bull Racing, which has dramatically increased Ford blue across its chassis, Racing Bulls has opted for only slight tweaks to its successful 2025 livery, maintaining the predominantly white color scheme that proved popular among fans and proved effective on track.

The unveiling marks the official beginning of the 2026 launch season and signals the commencement of a transformative era for the Red Bull stable, with Ford's new Red Bull Ford Powertrains division set to debut as the power unit supplier for both teams. The decision to keep the white livery intact reflects Racing Bulls' confidence in the visual identity it has cultivated over recent seasons.

Design elements and Ford partnership recognition

The 2026 Racing Bulls challenger retains its white base color complemented by black and blue accents, with the team's title sponsors Visa and Cash App maintaining prominent placement on the car. The most notable addition comes in the form of blue streaks across the engine cover and sidepod, serving as a deliberate visual acknowledgment of the team's new partnership with the American automotive giant.

This subtle branding approach demonstrates Racing Bulls' strategic restraint compared to its senior counterpart. While Red Bull Racing has embraced Ford's corporate identity with significantly more blue throughout its design, Racing Bulls' measured integration of Ford's influence maintains the team's visual continuity while honoring the partnership.

Driver lineup and competitive outlook

The 2026 season marks a significant milestone for Liam Lawson, who will conduct his first full Formula 1 pre-season with Racing Bulls. Lawson's transition follows an unconventional pathway through the Red Bull ecosystem, having initiated his rookie campaign with Red Bull Racing in 2025 before now establishing himself as a fixture at the team formerly known as AlphaTauri and RB.

Alongside Lawson, Racing Bulls will field Arvid Lindblad, the only rookie stepping up to a full-time F1 race seat in 2026, following his impressive performances in the junior categories. Lindblad's promotion comes after Isack Hadjar's own graduation to Red Bull Racing's main team, completing a significant reshuffling of driver talent within the stable.

Momentum into 2026

Racing Bulls enters the new season with considerable momentum, having finished sixth in the 2025 championship, equalling its best-ever result in Formula 1. The team achieved this consistency under the stewardship of Alan Permane, who assumed the role of team principal mid-season following Laurent Mekies' transition to Red Bull Racing. Notably, Hadjar delivered the team's sixth podium finish in its history with a third-place result at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, demonstrating the competitive progress Racing Bulls has achieved.

The refined 2026 livery represents more than aesthetic continuity—it embodies Racing Bulls' measured confidence as it enters a new technical era with fresh partnerships and a talented driver lineup ready to build upon the foundation established in 2025.