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.

Former Red Bull and Aston Martin chief engineer Dan Fellows believes significant changes in the Formula 1 driver market in the coming years will depend on Lewis Hamilton’s decision.

The seven-time world champion had a difficult first season with Ferrari, failing to reach the podium once in all 24 Grands Prix. For the first time in his career, Hamilton finished a season without finishing in the top three.

Amid these difficulties, suggestions have emerged that the Briton could retire from Formula 1 after the 2026 season.

Fellows said Hamilton would not want to stay in the championship unless he had a competitive car.

Fellows said: “I believe Hamilton is the key figure in the driver market. It is easy to compare him to Fernando Alonso; although last season was difficult for him, he is still capable of performing at a high level.” he said.

Fellowes added: “Lewis wants to be competitive. He wants a car that can win races. If he doesn’t do that, I’m not sure he wants to continue.”

Ferrari now has a young driver named Oliver Berman, who races for Haas and is considered one of the main candidates for promotion. According to Fellows, if Hamilton decides to retire early, this could start a chain reaction in the driver market.

Fellows said: “If he decides to leave, he will probably announce it in advance so Ferrari has time to prepare. This could require many changes. Berman is the obvious option, but not the only one.”