Racing Bulls formally launched their 2026 Formula 1 livery at a high-profile event in Detroit, as British teenager Arvid Lindblad described the occasion as a “surreal moment” ahead of his rookie campaign in the sport. Lindblad will partner with Liam Lawson this season, with the action beginning at the 2026 Australian Grand Prix from March 6-8.
Racing Bulls revealed the VCARB 03 at a glitzy launch in Detroit on Thursday night, introducing a refreshed design that subtly reflects the team’s new partnership with Ford.
Eighteen-year-old Arvid Lindblad was officially presented as a Formula 1 driver for the first time during the unveiling, marking a major milestone in his rapid rise through the junior categories. The team’s 2026 challenger retains its predominantly white appearance but now incorporates blue detailing as a visual reference to Ford’s arrival as a technical partner.
From 2026, Racing Bulls will run power units supplied by Red Bull Powertrains, the newly established engine division of parent team Red Bull Racing. The project is being delivered in collaboration with Ford and coincides with the introduction of new Formula 1 regulations covering both the chassis and the power unit.
Detroit hosts first reveals of 2026 launch season
Racing Bulls revealed their new look alongside Red Bull Racing in Detroit, Ford’s hometown, making the two teams the first to showcase their 2026 liveries.
The event took place at the city’s Central Michigan train station and featured a high-energy introduction from Detroit-born musician Big Sean, who unveiled the car with a bespoke 60-second rap performance.
Racing Bulls described the design direction behind the VCARB 03 in a team statement:
“The team chose to remain with its all-white look, enhanced by a subtle nod to its partnership with Ford. Sleek blue accents now trace the contours of the chassis, elevating the design with a sharper, more streamlined finish.”
Lindblad’s rapid rise to Formula 1
Lindblad’s promotion completes a remarkable ascent through the junior ranks, fulfilling a prediction he made five years ago to newly crowned world champion Lando Norris that he would one day share the Formula 1 grid with him.
Speaking after the unveiling, Lindblad reflected on the significance of the moment:
“This moment is honestly surreal. To be introduced as a Formula 1 driver at an event like this, in such an iconic setting, is something I’ll never forget.
“The team’s vision, the new power unit, and the belief they’ve shown in me mean a lot. I’m ready to learn, to work, and to give everything on track as we start this new chapter together.”
Confidence heading into a new era
Racing Bulls enter the new regulations cycle buoyed by a strong 2025 campaign, having finished sixth in the 2025 Constructors’ Championship. That result matched the team’s best-ever performance since it first joined Formula 1 in 2006 as Toro Rosso, before later becoming AlphaTauri, then RB, and finally Racing Bulls last season.
Like Red Bull, the Faenza-based outfit will begin 2026 using a power unit from a manufacturer racing in Formula 1 for the first time. Despite the inherent challenges, team principal Alan Permane believes the team is well placed as the sport resets.
Permane said:
“2026 represents one of the biggest technical changes Formula 1 has seen, and partnering with Ford at the very start of this journey is hugely significant for us.
“The Red Bull Ford Powertrains project brings together world-class engineering, innovation and racing DNA, and it puts us in a strong position as the sport enters this new era.
“We have been working closely together and are proud of what the Red Bull family have developed. It’s something we’re excited to have in our race car as we hit the track in the coming weeks”.
Lawson targets fresh start
Liam Lawson will line up alongside Lindblad as he looks to re-establish himself following a turbulent 2025 season. The 23-year-old New Zealander began last year at Red Bull Racing alongside Max Verstappen but was moved back to Racing Bulls after just two rounds.
Lawson believes the atmosphere around the team and the Ford partnership provide a strong platform moving forward.
He said:
“The partnership between Ford and Red Bull, the energy around the team, and the ambition for what’s ahead make this an incredibly exciting time to be part of VCARB. I’m more motivated than ever to push forward and help turn that vision into results on track.”
The 2026 Formula 1 season begins with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne from March 6-8, as a new technical era gets underway across the grid.
Testing and season opener confirmed
With the introduction of all-new regulations, Formula 1 has scheduled three pre-season tests ahead of the opening race.
The first will take place behind closed doors in Barcelona from January 26-30. Two further tests will follow in Bahrain on February 11-13 and February 18-20.
After testing concludes, teams will have two weeks to finalise preparations for the championship’s opening round.
The 2026 Formula 1 season begins with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne from March 6-8. Practice sessions start on Friday, 6 March, qualifying follows on Saturday, 7 March, and the first race of the new era takes place on Sunday, 8 March.
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