Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has candidly admitted that Red Bull Racing's prospects for the 2026 season remain a significant 'unknown' until the new cars hit the track, following a dramatic overhaul of the sport's technical regulations.
A Season of Radical Change for F1
Verstappen made the remarks on Thursday night in Detroit, where Red Bull unveiled the striking new livery for their 2026 challenger. The upcoming season represents one of the biggest technical shake-ups in recent F1 history, featuring new engine and chassis rules that are expected to reshuffle the competitive order.
For the first time, the Red Bull team will be powered by their own in-house engine, developed in partnership with Ford. The physical dimensions of the cars have also changed, and the familiar DRS overtaking aid will be replaced by new systems including 'active aero' and an 'overtake mode'.
'It’s all still a bit unknown,' Verstappen stated. 'Of course, it’s a very big, big change with the engine, the car, as you can see also the dimension of the car has changed a bit. So for us drivers as well initially, we’ll take a bit of time to adjust.'
Retro Livery Revealed in Motor City
The Dutch driver was present at the launch event alongside team principal Laurent Mekies and his new teammate, Isack Hadjar. Hadjar becomes Verstappen's fourth different teammate in just 15 months.
The team chose a bold, glossy blue retro design for the new car, which evoked strong memories for the reigning champion. 'The gloss is cool, it is a more retro look, the colour is really bold and blue, I really like it,' Verstappen said. 'Seeing it in real life was special... The whole look brings back a lot of great memories of back in the day when I was just starting out in F1.'
He added with a smile: 'I’m not sure the mechanics will be happy about the time it’ll take to keep this clean!'
The Road to Melbourne Begins
With the car now revealed, the focus shifts to on-track preparation. Verstappen emphasised the critical importance of the upcoming test sessions for the team to optimise their new package.
'That’s why it’s very important during the test days that we are getting our laps, so we can optimise everything as well as possible,' he explained.
The first of three pre-season tests will be held in private at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya from 26-30 January. The competitive action for the 2026 season will then commence with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on 8 March.
Verstappen, who missed out on a fifth consecutive drivers' title by a agonising two points last year, will be aiming to reclaim the crown in a car and under rules that promise to redefine Formula 1.
