There are growing rumors in the paddock that Red Bull is preparing to make a radical change to the livery of its car for the first time since 2015.

Ten years ago the Austrians created a design that they use today almost unchanged, with minor adjustments to the layout of elements and changes to the composition of sponsors.

According to multiple sources, the team decided to finally update its look, going back closer in spirit to the first look, inspired by the design of Red Bull energy drink cans. The team itself is already talking about this design on social networks and periodically directs its fans to it.

Let’s remember that the team was supposed to present its new uniform on January 15 at an event in the USA where Ford will also show off the design of the youth team. Due to the difference in time zones, the live broadcast of the event will start at 05:00 Kyiv time.

If Red Bull finally brings back chrome for the 2026 livery 👀

(🎨 @shauryanayarart ) pic.twitter.com/G4ci0AU3kt

— Autosport (@autosport) January 14, 2026

Red Bull Ford seems to have decided to slow down with one of the most radical technical solutions on the eve of the start of the new regulations. The concept in question is an engine concept with an extreme 1:18 compression ratio, which is seen as a potential loophole in the regulations.

According to information received from the paddock, this configuration is not planned to be used in tests in Barcelona. The reason is quite ordinary; The risk level is very high. Although engineers expected a noticeable increase in power, at the same time serious doubts were raised about the stability of the engine in racing conditions.

The team fears that relying on aggressive architecture could lead to a wave of power unit failures early in the season. Therefore, the version that Red Bull Ford is ready to move away from this idea altogether, preferring a more balanced and predictable solution, is now increasingly heard.

In Formula 1, the 2026 season will start a new technical era in the championship. The teams are preparing for radically changing regulations that will deliver a different car concept, updated aerodynamics and new generation power plants. This is the beginning of such rules, which often becomes a decisive moment not only for sporting results, but also for strategic decisions within teams.

2026 could be a decisive year for Ferrari. After several seasons in which the team regularly lost momentum due to mechanical limitations, Maranello decided to change its approach to the basic concept of the car.

Against this background, Charles Leclerc’s words are becoming increasingly important, according to the Italian publication autoracer.it. The Monegasque openly admitted that the start of the 2026 season will be decisive for his future at Ferrari. According to him, if the team cannot compete at a high level once again, this could put an end to its history of cooperation with Maranello.

Separately, the futures of Lewis Hamilton and team leader Frederic Vasseur are also in danger. For the seven-time world champion, 2026 could be a chance to highlight a new generation of cars that will better suit his driving style.