Co-authored by: Andrea Bair and MJ Duffy
A snowy Motor City was the backdrop to the highly anticipated first livery reveal of the 2026 Formula 1 season. On the evening of January 15th, Ford Racing hosted its season launch party in Detroit, Michigan.
The event was the third of its kind, but there was an added layer of excitement this time around. The Michigan Central Station event served as the livery launch for the Oracle Red Bull Racing and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls (VCARB) teams. Additionally, it was a celebration of Ford’s 125 years of racing, as well as its historic return to Formula 1.
The night began by highlighting Ford’s entries in the Dakar Rally. Next was the announcement of two-time NHRA Funny Car Champion Austin Prock finding a new home with Tasca Racing. The excitement continued with the reveal of Logan Sargeant, Mike Rockenfeller, and Sebastian Priaulx as the first Hypercar driver line-up for the 2027 FIA World Endurance Season.
Announced at the Ford Racing 2026 Season Launch, two-time @NHRA Funny Car Champion Austin Prock has found a new home with Tasca Racing👀 🏆
📷: @apexandrea_ pic.twitter.com/M2Am9dObOB
— Above The Yellow Line Media (@ATYLmedia) January 16, 2026
The event then shifted its focus to Ford’s Formula 1 efforts, highlighted by its collaboration with Red Bull Racing on new powertrains. Specifically designed for Formula 1’s new regulatory era, Ford President and CEO Jim Farley said their goal is to put Red Bull “in a position to be a challenger”.
Staying at the top of the F1 grid requires perfection in every component of the car, and Ford’s decision to produce their own powertrains is something Principal of Red Bull Racing, Laurent Mekies believes will make a big difference.
“We are not naive,” said Mekies. “We know it will be coming with a fair amount of struggle, [a] fair amount of headaches and sleepless nights, but that is exactly what we are here for.”
After a virtual reality walk-through of the new powertrains and a video call from lead engineers and designers in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, England, the Red Bull and VCARB cars were wheeled onto the stage under black fabric, joined by their drivers.
Take a look at some of the new livery for Red Bull Racing and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls. 👀 🎨
🎥: @apexandrea_ pic.twitter.com/y1l8bqcwqT
— Above The Yellow Line Media (@ATYLmedia) January 16, 2026
First up was Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar, the former being the newest driver of the second Red Bull seat. As the fabric lifted, a striking dark blue car was unveiled. What made this year’s car unique was it’s glossy shine. Not only was this the first time we’ve seen the livery, but the first time we’ve seen the four-time World Champion’s car adorn the No. 3.
Following a freestyle rap from Detroit-born rapper Big Sean, the VCARB drivers Liam Lawson and rookie Arvid Lindblad came on stage. The duo were introduced via a noticeably trendier-looking intro video that led into the reveal of a white-and-blue car that looked strikingly similar to last year’s.
Ford Racing aims to impress in 2026, seeking wins in just about every motorsport series in the world. With bold moves and stunning liveries, they’re looking forward to adding to their storied legacy. Now in their 125th year, they look ahead with an exciting venture back to Formula 1.
