Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

Max Verstappen delivers his verdict on the car he hopes will win a fifth F1 world title

05:25, 16 Jan

Updated: 05:57, 16 Jan

byEstéban den Toom

Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar have given their views on this year's Red Bull Racing car after it was presented in Detroit ahead of the new season.

The Dutchman says he was encouraged to see this year's car that has been designed in accordance to the biggest rule change in F1 history with new power units, chassis, fuel and tyre regulations.

The new rules have been introduced and threaten to disrupt the pecking order, making for some exciting racing this season, with Verstappen hoping to regain the title he lost to Lando Norris last season.

He said: "I love the new livery, it looks really nice and think it is going to stand out on track this year. The gloss is cool, it is a more retro look, the colour is really bold and blue, I really like it. Seeing it in real life was special and I was really impressed and surprised by how much of a change it is."

"The whole look brings back a lot of great memories of back in the day when I was just starting out in F1 and everything was new. I’m excited to drive a car with a completely different look. I’m not sure the mechanics will be happy about the time it’ll take to keep this clean! But, it’s going to look really slick and will be nice for everyone to see out on track.”

Verstappen's new teammate, Isack Hadjar, is also looking forward to the 2026 season. He said, "There’s been some exciting moments and a lot of firsts for me in the last few months, since I found out I would be driving for Oracle Red Bull Racing, and seeing the 2026 livery for the first time is up there with one of the best. Things are starting to feel a lot more real now and I can’t wait to drive with this livery on the car, I love the new, yet heritage, look, it’s super cool."

"It’s a new era for me and it’s pretty crazy that the Team and the whole sport are entering one at the same time too, it all feels very special. Being here in Detroit and seeing the livery in real life and the scale of what we have done to create a power unit is getting me hyped for this season. Now I just want to get into the RB22 with our own engine and go racing!"

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