Spectacular presentation: Czech aerobatic pilot Martin Šonka unveils the new Red Bull RB22
The presentation of the 2026 livery marks the start of a new chapter for the team of four-time world champion Max Verstappen
Foto: Oracle Red Bull Racing
Czech Red Bull aerobatic pilot Martin Šonka unveiled the new Oracle Red Bull Racing Formula 1 car in spectacular fashion. On Thursday evening in Detroit (USA), the team presented its livery for the 2026 season – true to Red Bull style: an aircraft pulled the cover off the car.
As part of the Red Bull Season Launch 2026 at the historic Michigan Central Station, Šonka delivered a breathtaking moment. Flying his aerobatic aircraft, he tore the cover from the RB22, revealing a new yet familiar look. The design marks a return to the high-gloss finish that Red Bull Racing first used at its Formula 1 debut in 2005.
Foto: Oracle Red Bull Racing
Twenty-two years later, Formula 1 is on the brink of a fundamental transformation. With new technical regulations, 2026 signals the beginning of a new era for the sport – and for Oracle Red Bull Racing as well. At the season opener in Melbourne, Red Bull Ford Powertrains will make its official race debut. For the first time, the team is developing and building both chassis and power unit under one roof.
As a symbol of this milestone, the RB22 features a livery inspired by the original Red Bull look. The design picks up classic elements, enhances reflections and contrasts under floodlights, and gives the team’s history a particularly premium appearance at high speed.
Video: New RB 22 | Martin Šonka
Four-time world champion Max Verstappen was enthusiastic: “I love the new livery. It looks great and will definitely stand out on track. The gloss gives it a retro feel, the colour is very strong and blue – I really like that. Seeing the car in real life was something special. I was surprised by how big the change is. The design brings back many memories of my early days in Formula 1. I’m looking forward to driving a car with a completely new look. I’m just not sure the mechanics will be thrilled when it comes to keeping the paintwork clean. But on track it will look fantastic.”
Foto: Oracle Red Bull Racing
Daring manoeuvre in Jindřichův Hradec
Martin Šonka’s daring stunt was filmed at Jindřichův Hradec Airport in the Czech Republic. A special device was mounted at the rear of the aircraft, allowing the cover to be pulled from the car. Despite difficult weather conditions, Šonka successfully executed the demanding aerobatic manoeuvre known as the “Cobra”. In this move, the nose of the aircraft suddenly pitches almost vertically upwards without gaining altitude, before the plane transitions back into level flight.
Foto: Oracle Red Bull Racing
A new era for Red Bull Racing
The presentation of the 2026 livery marks the beginning of a new chapter for the team. In the coming season, the new colours will be carried on track by Max Verstappen and his new team-mate Isack Hadjar. After the spectacular appearance by the Czech pilot, one thing is clear: the bar for Red Bull Racing’s performance – both sporting and visual – has been set high.
