Red Bull Take Swipe at Ferrari Ahead of 2026 F1 Car Reveal
Red Bull Racing could not resist a playful jab at long-time rivals Ferrari as the Formula One grid begins to unveil its cars for the highly anticipated 2026 season. The reigning powerhouse made headlines after revealing their new challenger, using the moment to subtly mock Ferrari just days before the Italian outfit’s own launch event.
With the 2026 Formula One campaign now little more than a month away, teams have entered full presentation mode, showcasing their designs under the sport’s sweeping new technical and aesthetic regulations. One of the biggest changes for this season is a rule requiring teams to cover at least 55 percent of their car’s surface area with paint or decals. The aim is to reduce exposed carbon fibre and improve the visual identity of the cars on track — a move that has already been warmly received by fans.
Red Bull became the first team to lift the curtain on their 2026 car, and the Milton Keynes-based squad wasted no time in making an impression. Their new design marks a return to a more traditional look, featuring a noticeably lighter shade of blue compared to recent seasons. The refreshed livery has drawn widespread praise across social media, with many fans welcoming the cleaner, brighter aesthetic.
However, it wasn’t just the visuals that caught attention. As part of their reveal, Red Bull appeared to take a sly dig at Ferrari, who are yet to unveil their own car. While the comment was far from explicit, the timing and tone were enough to spark discussion among fans and pundits alike, adding an extra layer of intrigue to Ferrari’s upcoming launch.
Ferrari are scheduled to present their 2026 challenger on Friday, 23 January, during a launch event expected to take place either at their Maranello headquarters or at the nearby Fiorano test circuit. Until then, the Scuderia have opted for a teasing approach, slowly building anticipation with a series of cryptic posts across their official social media channels.
One such teaser, shared on Sunday, featured four shadowy images showing drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc alongside last season’s car. The post was accompanied by the caption: “Built in the dark. Driven in the light.” While the message revealed little about the car itself, it successfully fueled speculation and excitement among Ferrari supporters eager to see how the team will adapt to the new regulations.
The contrast between Red Bull’s bold, upfront reveal and Ferrari’s mysterious buildup has only heightened the rivalry between the two teams. Red Bull head into the new season as one of the clear favourites for both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships, having maintained strong momentum from previous campaigns. Their early confidence — and willingness to poke fun at rivals — suggests a team comfortable with its position at the top.
Ferrari, meanwhile, will be hoping their 2026 car can signal a renewed challenge for the sport’s biggest prizes. With Lewis Hamilton now firmly established alongside Charles Leclerc, expectations are high that the Italian team can close the gap and reassert themselves as title contenders.
As launch season continues, fans won’t have to wait long to see whether Ferrari’s dramatic buildup can match Red Bull’s early statement. One thing is already clear: the psychological games have begun, and the battle for 2026 is heating up well before the lights go out for the first race.
