Red Bull has launched its 2023 F1 campaign unveiling the RB19 livery in a special launch event from New York along with the news of Ford joining them.
Red Bull held a special launch event to showcase its 2023 F1 livery from New York with Christian Horner at launch site talking about various programmes alongside regulars Max Verstappen, Sergio Perez and third driver Daniel Ricciardo.
Looking at the 2023 F1 season, the team carries on with its traditional corporate colours of blue, red and yellow as Verstappen and Perez along with Ricciardo revealing the new team kit as well where the former two revealed their new helmets.
The Red Bull special launch also held the announcement of the team re-uniting with Ford Motor Company. The American manufacturer returns to the pinnacle after leaving at the end of 2004 season when they sold the team to Jaguar Racing.
In that period they had partnered with Cosworth to provide engines to multiple teams including its ‘own’ when it entered as a team with Jaguar. Interestingly, the team was eventually sold to present day Red Bull as it comes down to a full circle.
After talks with Porsche did not materialise and perhaps with Honda too, Red Bull kept its options open as speculation about Ford increased. They will enter the sport from 2026 season onward under the new power unit regulations as per their solo announcement.
“At Oracle Red Bull Racing we always strive to do things first and do things differently,” said Horner. “This is the first time we have launched our season outside of the UK and the first time any F1 Team has launched in the USA.
“The growth of our sport in America cannot be ignored, there are over 50 million F1 fans in the USA, of which 72% follow us, and the way the fans have embraced our Team here has been very special to see. Oracle Red Bull Racing will be Stateside more than ever in 2023, not just racing but also running Red Bull Showruns and the first F1 Team led road trip in America, the USA Grand Tauro, later this year.
“We also wanted to celebrate with, and welcome, Ford in their home country, as they become Red Bull Powertrains new partner from 2026. This will be a true strategic technical partnership; Ford will assist with battery and hybrid technology and much more to keep the Team ahead of the competition. I am already very excited about the possibilities that this partnership will offer both of us globally,” summed up Horner.
“This is the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the history of Ford Motorsports, which have began when my grandfather won a race that helped launch our company,” Bill Ford. “Ford is returning to the pinnacle of sport, bringing its long tradition of innovation, sustainability and electrification into one of the most visible showcases in the world.”
At the same time, his counterpart Jim Farley noted: “Ford’s return to Formula 1 with Red Bull Racing follows the path we have taken as an increasingly electric, technological company for modern vehicles. F1 will be an incredible platform to innovate, share ideas, technologies and engage with tens of millions of new customers.”
From F1 side, Stefano Domenicali said: “Today’s news that Ford will arrive in Formula 1 from 2026, it’s great for the sport and we’re thrilled to see them join the other automotive partners. Ford is a global brand with an incredible automotive and racing heritage.
“Our platform delivers tremendous value with over half a billion fans worldwide. Our commitment to the net zero carbon by 2030 and to introduce sustainable fuels in F1 cars from 2026 is also an important reason for Ford’s decision.”
And, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem added: “There are a few manufacturers that have such a celebrated motorsport history as Ford and seeing it’s return to the FIA Formula 1 World Championship is excellent news which also underlines the success of the PU Regulations in 2026, which have a commitment to sustainability and entertainment at their heart.”
More to come
F1 2023 launches:
