Audi Criticises Ferrari as Red Bull Builds F1 2026 Momentum

Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Commercial tensions, technical anticipation, and driver market implications converged on Wednesday, January 14, as Formula 1’s build-up toward the 2026 regulatory era gathered pace. Ferrari, Red Bull, and Audi emerged as central figures in a sequence of developments that underline how the competitive landscape is being shaped well before cars hit the track.

The most pointed commercial storyline came from the Audi F1 Team, after its title sponsor Revolut publicly criticised the livery design of Scuderia Ferrari. The criticism focused on Ferrari’s integration of its own title partner, HP, particularly the use of prominent blue branding on Ferrari’s traditional red cars. The remarks highlighted how brand alignment and visual identity have become increasingly strategic considerations in modern Formula 1.

Attention then shifted toward Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls, both set to unveil their 2026 liveries at a dedicated launch event in Detroit. The event carries additional significance as it marks the public celebration of Red Bull’s new technical partnership with Ford, alongside the first visual presentation of Red Bull’s internally developed power unit era ahead of the new regulations.

The launch also adds a strong narrative dimension with the return of Daniel Ricciardo to the Red Bull spotlight, where he will reunite with Max Verstappen. While Ricciardo is no longer an active Red Bull race driver, the reunion carries symbolic weight, reconnecting the team with a successful chapter of its recent history as it transitions into a new technical cycle.

Ferrari remains firmly under scrutiny as it prepares to unveil the SF26 at Fiorano, despite offering no official indications of the car’s visual direction. The lack of teasers has fuelled widespread interest in non-official concept liveries circulating in international media, reflecting both Ferrari’s enduring global appeal and the pressure on the team to reset after a winless campaign.

Driver market dynamics continue to orbit around Lewis Hamilton, who has been labelled a pivotal figure in determining future movement across the grid. Hamilton’s difficult debut season with Ferrari has raised questions over his long-term prospects in Formula 1, with any decision regarding his future expected to carry far-reaching consequences for multiple teams.

Taken together, these storylines illustrate how the road to Formula 1’s 2026 season is being defined by more than technical regulation changes alone. Branding strategy, leadership stability, and high-profile driver decisions are already influencing the competitive narrative. As Red Bull accelerates its transition, Ferrari faces mounting expectations, and Audi works to establish its identity from the outset, the foundations of the next Formula 1 era are being laid months in advance, a process that will continue to be closely followed by Sportrik Media at https://sportrik.com/en.