For 2026, Formula One's regulations underwent significant changes to both aerodynamics and power units. The 2026 rules introduced active aerodynamics, a revised hybrid power unit architecture, and reduced car dimensions compared to the 2022–2025 generation. The RB22 differs substantially from its predecessor, the RB21, as a direct consequence of these changes. The car's Ford-badged power unit also marks a significant departure from Red Bull's previous partnership with Honda, which ended after 2025 when Honda moved to a works arrangement with Aston Martin.
The RB22 was unveiled at a dedicated event held on 15 January 2026 in Detroit, alongside the Racing Bulls VCARB 03. The new livery departed from the matte dark navy blue of the team's recent cars, adopting a glossy blue and black colour scheme featuring a jacquard pattern.
At the 2026 Australian Grand Prix, Verstappen crashed during the first qualifying segment and did not set a time. Hadjar qualified third in his debut race for the senior Red Bull team, behind the two Mercedes drivers. In the race, Hadjar retired on lap 11 with an engine problem; Verstappen recovered to finish sixth, behind reigning champion Lando Norris.
Results were no better at the Chinese Grand Prix. Neither Red Bull finished in the points during the sprint, and both were outqualified for the Grand Prix by Pierre Gasly's Alpine — a former Red Bull junior. Verstappen suffered gearbox issues in the race and retired; Hadjar finished behind Oliver Bearman, Gasly, and Lawson, dropping the team to fifth in the Constructors' Championship.
At the Japanese Grand Prix, Gasly again outperformed Verstappen over the race distance, keeping him contained in seventh for the majority of the event. Hadjar finished 12th, behind Nico Hulkenberg's Audi.
At the Miami Grand Prix, Hadjar was disqualified from qualifying after sections of his car's floorboard were found to protrude 2 mm beyond the permitted reference volume. He started the race from the pit lane following further modifications under parc fermé conditions. Verstappen spun at the start after contact with Charles Leclerc. Verstappen recovered from the back of the field on a long hard-tyre strategy, eventually finishing fifth on the road before a five-second time penalty for crossing the pit exit line was applied — though his final position was unaffected.
At Monaco, Verstappen suffered a power unit-related problem and retired at the end of the opening lap. Hadjar ran as high as fourth during the race and stood on the podium initially following a penalty for Gasly, before being demoted to fourth when Alpine's right of review reinstated Gasly to third.
The RB22's early-season struggles represented a significant contrast to Red Bull's championship-winning form of the preceding years. The team found themselves outpaced by Mercedes, McLaren, and Ferrari in the opening rounds, with the Ford-powered cars requiring development to extract their potential under the new regulations. Verstappen's first podium of the season came in Canada, where he finished third, while Hadjar's podium at Monaco — however briefly held — underlined the team's incremental progress through the year.