British teenager Arvid Lindblad hailed a “surreal moment” because the rookie’s Racing Bulls group revealed their livery for the 2026 Formulation 1 season.
The 18-year-old, who will drive alongside Liam Lawson, was formally launched as an F1 driver as Racing Bulls unveiled their new search for the upcoming season, which incorporates the addition of blue to the VCARB 03 in a nod to new companion Ford.
Racing Bulls’ engine for 2026 will probably be equipped by Crimson Bull Powertrains – the newly shaped engine division of senior squad Crimson Bull – who’ve partnered with Ford as they produce energy items for the primary time to coincide with the introduction of latest laws for each energy items and chassis.
The group revealed their livery alongside Crimson Bull in Ford’s hometown of Detroit, with the unveilings the primary of the 2026 launch season.
The glitzy occasion on the metropolis’s Central Michigan prepare station noticed Detroit musician Huge Sean introduce the automotive with a bespoke 60-second rap.
Racing Bulls stated: “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 has been fast-tracked into an F1 seat after a surprising rise by way of the junior ranks that has seen his prediction 5 years in the past to newly topped world champion Lando Norris that he would be part of him on the grid come true.
Lindblad stated: “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 group’s imaginative and prescient, the brand new energy unit, and the assumption they’ve proven in me imply rather a lot. I am able to be taught, to work, and to provide every little thing on monitor as we begin this new chapter collectively.”
Racing Bulls in ‘strong position’ at start of new F1 era
Racing Bulls are attempting to build on a successful 2025 campaign that saw them finish sixth in the Constructors’ Championship, equalling the best result the team has managed since it was established in 2006 as Toro Rosso, before becoming AlphaTauri and then RB before being named Racing Bulls last year.
The team will face the same challenge as Red Bull as they attempt to compete using an engine provided by a debuting manufacturer, but remain positive over their prospects for the upcoming season, which begins with the Australian Grand Prix on March 8.
Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane said: “2026 represents one of many greatest technical adjustments Formulation 1 has seen, and partnering with Ford on the very begin of this journey is vastly important 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 now have been working intently collectively and are happy with what the Crimson Bull household have developed. It is one thing we’re excited to have in our race automotive as we hit the monitor within the coming weeks”.
New Zealander Lawson, 23, is seeking to re-establish himself having started last season alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull before being demoted back to Racing Bulls after just two rounds.
Lawson said: “The partnership between Ford and Crimson Bull, the vitality across the group, and the ambition for what’s forward make this an extremely thrilling time to be a part of VCARB. I am extra motivated than ever to push ahead and assist flip that imaginative and prescient into outcomes on monitor.”
When is F1 pre-season testing?
The introduction of new regulations means there is a robust schedule of three separate testing events before the start of the 2026 season.
The first is a behind-closed-doors event in Barcelona from January 26-30, before two tests follow in Bahrain from February 11-13 and 18-20.
When is the first F1 race?
The teams then have two weeks to prepare for the opening round of the season, which is the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne from March 6-8.
The first practice sessions of the season will take place on Friday 6 March, with Qualifying on Saturday 7 March and the opening race on Sunday 8 March.
Watch all 24 race weekends from the 2026 Formula 1 season live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports activities with NOW – No contract, cancel anytime

