F1 news: Red Bull and Racing Bulls announce details of upcoming 2026 season launch in Detroit
Red Bull and Racing Bulls are set to partner with Ford as an engine manufacturer and will release their new car on January 15 in Detroit, Michigan.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Ayla Vaughan explains all you need to know about the Austrian team’s season launch ahead of the first year of F1’s new regulations.
Details of 2026 season launch
F1 teams organise season launches to show fans, drivers, and sponsors what has been developed over the winter, often to stay in line with new regulations.
Red Bull and Racing Bulls have now announced a joint season launch alongside Ford ahead of the 2026 F1 campaign.
The event takes place at the home of Ford in Detroit, Michigan, on January 15, a month earlier compared to this year when the cars were revealed in February.
In it, the two teams will unveil their respective liveries for the next generation of cars, giving fans a look at the design and style of the new car.
Drivers and team principals are likely to be present at the launch, admiring the new car and talking to the media about the upcoming season.
Significance of Ford, new location
The upcoming season will debut Red Bull Ford Powertrains as both squads’ power unit manufacturer in what will hopefully be a successful new collaboration.
Red Bull have chosen Detroit for the launch to pay homage to Ford’s heritage ahead of their maiden campaign together.
The Motor City is the heart of the American automobile industry and home to the big three – Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis.
Detroit also has the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant, the oldest auto plant open to the public anywhere in the world.
With its three-story New England–style mill building, it is a snapshot of history, being largely unchanged since Henry Ford’s day and boasting a selection of rare Detroit-built cars from the first decade of the 20th century.
It is therefore the perfect city to host Formula 1 and these two revolutionary teams.
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Showcasing the future of performance
Laurent Mekies, CEO and team principal of Red Bull Racing, told the official F1 website: “The launch of the Red Bull Ford Powertrains era represents not only a bold step into the future, but a powerful expression of what’s possible when world-class engineering, innovation, and passion come together.
“To see the energy, precision, and scale behind this project is inspiring. It’s the culmination of several years of collaboration between two great names in motorsport.
“We’re incredibly excited to begin this new chapter, driven by the same determination and excellence that defines both Ford and Red Bull.”
Jim Farley, president and CEO of Ford Motor Company, added: “Since we announced our return to F1 with Red Bull, the Ford team have been working night and day to get ready for 2026.
“But this is about so much more than just the racing. It is about how we use our learnings from F1 to make our cars and trucks better for our customers.
“What we will learn together with Red Bull will define the technologies of the future and that is what excites me most about this relationship.”
Meanwhile, Peter Bayer, CEO of Racing Bulls, said: “We’re incredibly excited to welcome Ford back into the world of Formula 1.
“With over 125 years of heritage, innovation, and absolute dedication to performance, Ford embodies the same competitive spirit that drives our team.
“This partnership brings together global brands united by a love of racing and a commitment to pushing boundaries.
“As a member of the Red Bull family and together with our title partners, Visa and Cash App, we see huge opportunities to join forces and connect with a new generation of fans and showcase the future of performance and mobility on a global stage.
“Launching this new era in Detroit, the birthplace of Ford, makes it all the more special.”
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