F1 2026: Actual Red Bull RB22 Revealed, Begins Tests at Barcelona

Red Bull Racing has revealed the actual RB22, the car set to represent the team in the 2026 F1 season. Earlier this year, only the new livery was shown during a launch event in Detroit, leaving the real RB22 hidden. That has now changed, with Red Bull releasing images of the complete car as testing got underway at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. This marks the first clear look at how the team has shaped its 2026 challenger under the sport’s new technical regulations.

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The RB22 has been developed around the revised 2026 Formula 1 regulations, which introduce major changes to car design and power unit integration. These new rules have required teams to rethink packaging and overall airflow management. Red Bull’s work has been carried out at its Milton Keynes base, with a focus on creating a platform that can be developed steadily through the season.

Under the engine cover sits the Red Bull Ford power unit, which enters its first year of full competition. The 2026 regulations place a greater emphasis on electrical energy alongside the internal combustion engine. How well teams manage this balance is expected to play a key role across the season, particularly over race distances.

The RB22 began its on-track running during the private Barcelona shakedown test. Performance is restricted during this phase, meaning teams focus on system checks rather than outright performance. Areas such as cooling, electronics, steering systems and power delivery are prioritised before moving into heavier testing programmes.

Max Verstappen is scheduled to take part in the early running as Red Bull gathers its first real data from the new car. Further driver participation is expected as testing continues. With additional sessions planned before the opening round, attention now turns to refining the RB22 ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season opener in Australia.