British teenager Arvid Lindblad hailed the “surreal moment” as rookie Racing Bulls team revealed their look for the 2026 Formula 1 season.
The 18-year-old, who will drive alongside Liam Lawson, was officially unveiled as a Formula 1 driver as the Racing Bulls unveiled their new look for the upcoming season, which includes the addition of VCARB 03 blue in a nod to new partner Ford.
The Racing Bulls’ 2026 engine will be supplied by Red Bull Powertrains – the newly formed engine division of the senior Red Bull team – which has partnered with Ford to produce powertrains for the first time to coincide with the introduction of new powertrain and chassis regulations.
The team revealed its livery alongside Red Bull in Ford’s hometown of Detroit, with the unveiling of the first of the 2026 launch season.
At a glitzy event at the city’s Central Michigan train station, Detroit musician Big Sean unveiled the car with a 60-second rap.
Racing Bulls said: “The team has chosen to stick with its all-white look, enhanced in a subtle nod to the partnership with Ford. Sleek blue accents now follow the contours of the chassis, elevating the design with a sharper, more aerodynamic finish.”
Lindblad quickly entered Formula One after a stunning rise through the junior ranks that saw his prediction five years ago that newly crowned world champion Lando Norris would join him in the standings come true.
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Sky Sports’ Craig Slater talks about Racing Bulls’ new signing, British teenager Arvid Lindblad.
Lindblad said: “This moment is honestly surreal. To be represented as a Formula 1 driver at an event like this, in such an iconic setting, is something I will never forget.”
“The vision of the team, the new power unit and the faith they have shown in me means a lot. I am ready to learn, work and give my all on the right track as we start this new chapter together.”
Racing Bulls in a “strong position” at the start of a new era of Formula 1
Racing Bulls are looking to build on a successful 2025 campaign that saw them finish sixth in the Constructors’ Championship, equaling the team’s best result since it was founded 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 try to compete using an engine provided by a debutant manufacturer, but will remain positive about 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 the biggest technical changes Formula 1 has seen, and partnering with Ford at the very start of this journey is hugely significant for us.
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Speaking on the F1 Show podcast, Karun Chandhok, Bernie Collins and Ted Kravitz discuss what they expect from the 2026 season, which will feature new rules.
“The Red Bull Ford Powertrains project brings together world-class engineering, innovation and racing DNA, and puts us in a strong position as the sport enters this new era.”
“We have worked closely together and are proud of what the Red Bull family has developed. It is something we are excited to have in our race car as we take to the track in the coming weeks.”
New Zealander Lawson, 23, is looking to re-establish himself after starting 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 Red Bull, the energy around the team and the ambition for what lies ahead make this an incredibly exciting time to be a part of VCARB. I’m more motivated than ever to move forward and help turn that vision into results on the right track.”
When is F1 pre-season testing?
The introduction of the new regulations means there is a tight schedule of three separate tests before the start of the 2026 season.
The first is a behind-closed-doors event in Barcelona from 26-30 January, before two tests in Bahrain from 11-13 and 18-20 February.
When is the first F1 race?
The teams then have two weeks to prepare for the first round of the season, which is the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 6-8.
The first practice session 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 of the 2026 Formula 1 season live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Ski Sports from NOW – No contract, cancel anytime