Preparations for the 2026 F1 Season Are Underway

The 2025 Formula 1 season is winding down, but the excitement for the 2026 campaign is already in full swing.

This includes two teams that are set to kick off their season in the United States.

Red Bull and VisaCash Racing Bulls introduced their 2026 livery in Detroit recently, also sharing the news about the new Red Bull Ford powertrains, marking Ford’s re-entry as power unit manufacturers in F1. With Ford partnering with Red Bull, their power units will be used in both the RB22 and VCARB 03 next season.

The launch event is scheduled for January 15, 2026.

“Ever since we announced our return to F1 with Red Bull, the Ford team has been working day and night to prepare for 2026. But this is about more than just a race,” remarked Jim Farley, CEO of Ford Motor Company. He added that utilizing the knowledge gained from F1 will enhance Ford’s vehicles for customers, and the insights gathered with Red Bull are crucial for future technology.

Peter Beyer, CEO of VCARB, expressed enthusiasm about Ford’s return to Formula 1. “With a legacy of over 125 years and a commitment to innovation and performance, Ford shares the competitive spirit of our teams. This partnership unites two global brands with a passion for racing and pushing boundaries.”

Beyer continued, “As part of the Red Bull family, along with our title partners Visa and Cash App, we see an incredible opportunity to connect with a younger audience and display the future of performance and mobility. Launching this new era in Detroit, Ford’s birthplace, makes it even more significant.”

“The start of the Red Bull Ford Powertrain era not only signifies a bold leap into the future but also highlights what can be achieved when exceptional engineering and innovation converge,” stated Laurent Mequise, CEO and Team Principal of Red Bull. He noted that this marks the end of a multi-year collaboration between two giants of motorsport, and he’s eager to embark on this new chapter fueled by the same dedication and excellence inherent to both Ford and Red Bull.

Next year, F1 is set to introduce a new set of technical regulations, including significant updates to power units. Interestingly, 2025 will be the last season of Honda and Red Bull’s collaboration, during which the duo secured an impressive fourth consecutive drivers’ championship for Max Verstappen and two constructors’ championships in 2022 and 2023.