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F1 news LIVE: Red Bull launch 2023 car livery and confirm Ford partnership
Red Bull unveiled their 2023 car in a glitzy season launch event in New York City on Friday - and confirmed an engine partnership with Ford from 2026.
Christian Horner’s team, who coasted to Drivers and Constructors’ success last season as Max Verstappen won his second world title, revealed the RB19 livery in the Big Apple, with a notable difference in design not apparent from last year’s all-conquering RB18.
Verstappen, alongside team-mate Sergio Perez and third driver Daniel Ricciardo, was present stateside with just over a month until the new season starts in Bahrain.
Red Bull also confirmed a deal with Ford as an engine supplier from 2026, forming Red Bull-Ford Powertrains. Ford will return to Formula 1 after a 22-year absence, having last been involved in 2004 alongside Jaguar.
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F1 NEWS AND UPDATES
Red Bull launched their 2023 car in New York on Friday
Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez were both present at the launch
Ford announce return to Formula 1 as engine supplier for Red Bull from 2026
FIA formally opens applications for new teams to join F1 grid
17:59 , Kieran Jackson
Red Bull unveiled their 2023 car in a glitzy season launch event in New York City on Friday - and confirmed an engine partnership with Ford from 2026.
Christian Horner’s team, who coasted to Drivers and Constructors’ success last season as Max Verstappen won his second world title, revealed the RB19 livery in the Big Apple, with a notable difference in design not apparent from last year’s all-conquering RB18.
Verstappen, alongside team-mate Sergio Perez and third driver Daniel Ricciardo, was present stateside with just over a month until the new season starts in Bahrain.
Red Bull also confirmed a deal with Ford as an engine supplier from 2026, forming Red Bull-Ford Powertrains. Ford will return to Formula 1 after a 22-year absence, having last been involved in 2004 alongside Jaguar.
“It’s fantastic to be welcoming Ford back into Formula 1 through this partnership,” said Horner. “As an independent engine manufacturer to have the ability to benefit from an OEM’s experience like Ford puts us in good stead against the competition.
“They are a manufacturer rich in motoring history that spans generations. From Jim Clark to Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher, the lineage speaks for itself.”
Red Bull reveal 2023 car livery and confirm engine deal with Ford
F1 news: Mercedes reserve driver Mick Schumacher available to another team in 2023
17:38 , Kieran Jackson
Mick Schumacher will also work with McLaren as part of his role as a Mercedes reserve driver in 2023. Schumacher was dropped from his race seat at Haas at the end of the 2022 campaign after two frustrating seasons, with Nico Hulkenberg replacing him.
In December, Mick - son of seven-time Formula 1 world champion Michael Schumacher - joined Mercedes as a reserve driver next season and will work to support Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.
Yet McLaren - who use Mercedes powered engines - announced on Wednesday that the 23-year-old’s services would also be available to them throughout 2023.
In a tweet alongside a photo of Schumacher completing a seat fit for McLaren, the team said: “McLaren will be able to call on Mick Schumacher as a reserve driver during the 2023 F1 season as part of our arrangement with Mercedes. Welcome to the family, Mick.”
Mercedes reserve driver Mick Schumacher available to another team in 2023
F1 news: Valtteri Bottas questions FIA’s new political ban on F1 drivers
17:20 , Kieran Jackson
Valtteri Bottas has questioned the FIA’s new rule banning Formula 1 drivers from making political statements without prior approval, insisting: “I don’t understanding why they want to control us.”
The FIA’s international sporting code, which governs the running of motorsport competitions, has been updated with a new clause under breaches of the rules.
Drivers will now be in breach of the rules if they make or display “political, religious and personal statements or comments notably in violation of the general principle of neutrality promoted by the FIA under its statutes, unless previously approved in writing by the FIA for international competitions, or by the relevant ASN for national competitions within their jurisdiction”.
Alfa Romeo’s Bottas was team-mates with Lewis Hamilton - who has been vocal and outspoken on matters such as racial inequality and minority rights - for five years from 2017-2021 and believes the FIA are interfering too much with drivers’ freedom of speech with the new regulation.
“Personally, I don’t like politics,” Bottas told Swedish outlet Expressen. “I like doing what I love, which is racing, but at the same time politics is part of today’s society.
“I think Formula 1 has done a good job in drawing attention to some of these kinds of issues and many drivers have raised their voices, including Sebastian, says the Finnish Formula 1 star and continues.”
Valtteri Bottas questions FIA’s new political ban on F1 drivers
F1 news: When are other F1 teams launching their 2023 cars?
16:58 , Kieran Jackson
The 2023 Formula 1 season starts on 5 March in Bahrain - and preparations are well underway ahead of the new campaign.
All 10 teams have had more than two months since the final race of 2022 in Abu Dhabi and are set to reveal their new cars in the next few weeks, with pre-season testing taking place at the Bahrain International Circuit from 23-25 February.
Here are the 2023 car launch dates in chronological order:
Williams - Monday 6 February (Livery launch, online)
Alfa Romeo - Tuesday 7 February (Zurich)
AlphaTauri - Saturday 11 February (Livery launch, New York)
Aston Martin - Monday 13 February (Silverstone)
McLaren - Monday 13 February (location TBC)
Ferrari - Tuesday 14 February (location TBC)
Mercedes - Wednesday 15 February (Silverstone)
Alpine - Thursday 16 February (London)
Ford to rejoin Formula 1 as engine partner for Red Bull from 2026
16:31 , Kieran Jackson
Ford will re-enter the world of Formula 1 in 2026 as an engine partner - and are widely expected to partner with Red Bull. The Ford Motor Company, who were last involved in F1 in 2004 alongside Jaguar, will partner the current champions when new engine regulations come to the fray in 2026.
The American automotive giant have followed rivals General Motors, who announced a deal with Andretti to target an entry for three years time, into F1 given the sport’s growing popularity, particularly stateside, and F1’s focus on sustainable fuels for 2026.
Red Bull launch their 2023 car, the RB19, at 2pm (GMT) today in New York City - where Ford have reportedly sent social media influencers in anticipation of a deal confirmation.
Ford executive chair Bill Ford said: “This is the start of a thrilling new chapter in Ford’s motorsports story that began when my great-grandfather won a race that helped launch our company. Ford is returning to the pinnacle of the sport, bringing Ford’s long tradition of innovation, sustainability and electrification to one of the world’s most visible stages.”
Despite an absence which will stretch to 22 years by the time they re-join, Ford remain the third-most succcessful engine manufacturer in F1 history - with 176 victories.
“The news today that Ford is coming to Formula 1 from 2026 is great for the sport and we are excited to see them join the incredible automotive partners already in Formula 1,” said Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.
Christian Horner details RB19 changes as Red Bull unveil new car
15:59 , Jack Rathborn
Christian Horner has revealed Red Bull have only made “subtle changes” to their new car ahead of the 2023 Formula 1 season.
After claiming the constructors’ championship in 2022, the team principal has lauded the talent of his drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.
And Horner believes the team can get even better despite their dominance last season after showcasing the RB19.
“It’s taking all the lessons from the RB18,” Horner said. “There’s been some subtle changes. The tyres are slightly different too but RB19 draws on all the strengths.
Christian Horner reveals Red Bull changes
F1 news: Red Bull reveal 2023 car livery and confirm engine deal with Ford
15:18 , Kieran Jackson
Red Bull unveiled their 2023 car in a glitzy season launch event in New York City on Friday - and confirmed an engine partnership with Ford from 2026.
Christian Horner’s team, who coasted to Drivers and Constructors’ success last season as Max Verstappen won his second world title, revealed the RB19 livery in the Big Apple. Verstappen, alongside team-mate Sergio Perez and third driver Daniel Ricciardo, was present stateside with just over a month until the new season starts in Bahrain.
Red Bull also confirmed a deal with Ford as an engine supplier from 2026, forming Red Bull-Ford Powertrains. Ford will return to Formula 1 after a 22-year absence, having last been involved in 2004 alongside Jaguar.
“It’s fantastic to be welcoming Ford back into Formula 1 through this partnership,” said Horner.
“As an independent engine manufacturer to have the ability to benefit from an OEM’s experience like Ford puts us in good stead against the competition.
“They are a manufacturer rich in motoring history that spans generations. From Jim Clark to Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher, the lineage speaks for itself.”
F1 news: RED BULL SEASON LAUNCH
15:00 , Kieran Jackson
And now - finally! - Red Bull announce their partnership with Ford from 2026!
Jim Farley, president and CEO of Ford Motor Company: “Ford is going to return to Formula 1 after more than 20 years. We looked at a lot of options and we wanted to go in the direction authentic for us. A strategic and techincal partnership with Red Bull Powertrains from 2026.”
Christian Horner: “It’s tremendously exciting to welcome the Ford brand back into Formula 1. To have a Red Bull-Ford power unit is very exciting. From the first moment we spoke, it was very clear that there was a natural synergy between the two companies. It was a very easy deal to put together because the desire was there from both sides. Big moment for us!”
F1 news: RED BULL SEASON LAUNCH
14:54 , Kieran Jackson
Horner: “It’s taking all the lessons from the RB18. There’s been some subtle changes. The tyres are slightly different too but RB19 draws on all the strengths.
Verstappen: “Our livery has been pretty similar for a few years now but it’s a cool looking car. We’ve had a lot of success like that so why change it up?
Perez: “It’s about getting up to a good physical level because it’s a very short time we’re in the car - just a day and a half each before the season starts. That’s the key.
Ricciardo: “I’ll be at the factory in a couple of weeks - a lot of sim work. That’ll be a lot of my work, let the boys take the track stuff! Help to understand the car and try and lend some of my experience.”
F1 news: RED BULL SEASON LAUNCH
14:52 , Kieran Jackson
Now the moment you’ve all been waiting for - the RB19 is revealed!
F1 news: RED BULL SEASON LAUNCH
14:49 , Kieran Jackson
Horner: “We’re doing about 20 showruns. Daniel will be driving at all kinds of different venues. Two at the US - Chicago and Nashville. We’re taking F1 to the people! Very successful in exposing cars where you wouldn’t expect!”
F1 news: RED BULL SEASON LAUNCH
14:47 , Kieran Jackson
Horner: “This is our best pairing ever in Formula 1. We’re very fortunate to have two strong drivers”
Verstappen; “When you’re a little kid and you’re working towards your goal - first a driver, then a race and then a Championship. Once I achieved that, a lot of pressure fell off my shoulders. It’s all about trying to stay there though. Last year was a very good test for that. But I constantly try to improve myself too. There are always things you can do better.”
Perez: “To improve what we’ve done last year. If we can do that it’ll be a great season. We have to make sure we’re full of energy.”
F1 news: RED BULL SEASON LAUNCH
14:43 , Kieran Jackson
Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez are now on stage alongside Horner!
Perez: “The support for our team is growing so much in the US. We’re becoming the favourite team of this country. Very privilged.
Verstappen: “We’re very excited to come here, the US is incredibly important to us. We’re very much looking forward to the three races. We’re very optimistic for this year and of course we’re going to try and defend this title.”
F1 news: RED BULL SEASON LAUNCH
14:39 , Kieran Jackson
Daniel Ricciardo is now on stage! The Australian is back with Red Bull as a third driver in 2023.
“It feels amazing. It’s like returning home and in this second phase of my career, it feels warm and cosy! Back in the family, a lot of fond memories.
“I’ll attend some races and help develop the car, a lot of simulator work. Keep involved in the sport and try and help the team as much as possible.
“The way Red Bull last year were able to press on through the year and dominate the second half of the last season. Really cool to see it.”
F1 news: RED BULL SEASON LAUNCH
14:33 , Kieran Jackson
Horner is now back on stage, talking about a fan initiative called Make Your Mark.
The team principal reveals that the fans can get involved to create the livery of the RB19 for the three US races in Miami, Austin and Las Vegas.
Quite cool!
Horner also reveals the auction of the RB14 car with a special livery designed by Mr Doodle...
F1 news: RED BULL SEASON LAUNCH
14:29 , Kieran Jackson
Gu reveals she was in Monaco last year - and hopes to be at more races this year.
“Seeing F1 in person is so different. The drivers are going so fast and having to make reactions, you have to be so dialled in. It’s like you have to be subconcious! I admire excellence in any field but especially in F1, I have so much respect for the drivers!”
F1 news: RED BULL SEASON LAUNCH
14:19 , Kieran Jackson
Another promo is now playing focused on Red Bull’s group of extreme sports athletes, followed by a Q&A with some of the athletes in a seperate room...
First up: Winter Olympics gold medallist Eileen Gu!
F1 news: RED BULL SEASON LAUNCH
14:17 , Kieran Jackson
Christian Horner, Red Bull team principal and CEO, is now on stage:
“It’s incredibly special to be here in the Big Apple. The US is playing such a big role in Formula 1 these days.... so it seemed fitting to unveil the RB19 and do it here in New York City.
“It’s fantastic to see the US embrace Formula 1. The US are really engaging in Formula 1, we’re seeing a much younger fanbase coming into the sport. It’s a really exciting time.
“We’re getting on for preparing the season ahead. We’ve got tremendous support and we’re looking forward to this busy season.
“It’s going to be an incredible season. Our rivals haven’t stood still. We’re expecting Ferrari to be competitive, Mercedes will be there. This time of year, it’s all a big unknown. In Bahrain we’ll see everyone’s car and we’ll see if we’ve missed something or not!”
F1 news: RED BULL SEASON LAUNCH
14:12 , Kieran Jackson
The hour-long event has now begun in New York, with the hosts introducing a Red Bull focused promo and revealing we will hear from Max Verstappen, Sergio Perez, Danniel Ricciardo and Christian Horner at the launch this afternoon!
I’m sorry to report, no sign of the car as of yet...
F1 news: RED BULL SEASON LAUNCH
14:04 , Kieran Jackson
In a rather unexpected twist, it seems the Red Bull team have been slightly delayed - with the live stream of the launch stating the stream starts four minutes from now.
Running late, Max?
F1 news: RED BULL SEASON LAUNCH - 2pm (GMT)
13:58 , Kieran Jackson
We’re just a few minutes away from Red Bull’s season launch in New York City where, as well as revealing their RB19 car, they are expected to announce a deal with Ford for 2026 onwards.
Ford have reportedly sent social media influencers in anticipation of a deal confirmation.
Red Bull have set up their own powertrains department at their base in Milton Keynes and will this year continue working with Japanese manufacturer Honda on their engines.
F1 news: Ford to rejoin Formula 1 as engine partner ahead of expected Red Bull deal
13:52 , Kieran Jackson
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem - who formally opened the process for new entries into Formula 1 on Thursday - added: “There are few manufacturers who have such a celebrated motorsport history as Ford, so to see them coming back to the FIA Formula 1 World Championship is excellent news.
“It further underlines the success of the 2026 power unit regulations that have at their heart a commitment to both sustainability and spectacle, and of course having more interest from the United States is important of the continued growth of the world’s top motorsport category.”
F1 news: Ford to rejoin Formula 1 as engine partner ahead of expected Red Bull deal
13:49 , Kieran Jackson
“The news today that Ford is coming to Formula 1 from 2026 is great for the sport and we are excited to see them join the incredible automotive partners already in Formula 1,” said Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.
“They are a global brand with an incredible heritage in the racing and automotive world and they see the huge value that our platform provides with over half a billion fans around the world. Our commitment to be Net Zero Carbon by 2030 and to introduce sustainable fuels in the F1 cars from 2026 is also an important reason for their decision to enter F1.
“We believe that our sport provides the opportunity and reach unlike any other and we cannot wait for the Ford logo to be racing round F1’s iconic circuits from 2026.”
F1 news: Ford to rejoin Formula 1 as engine partner ahead of expected Red Bull deal
13:46 , Kieran Jackson
Ford will re-enter the world of Formula 1 in 2026 as an engine partner - and are widely expected to partner with Red Bull.
The Ford Motor Company, who were last involved in F1 in 2004 alongside Jaguar, will partner the current champions when new engine regulations come to the fray in 2026.
The American automotive giant have followed rivals General Motors, who announced a deal with Andretti to target an entry for three years time, into F1 given the sport’s growing popularity, particularly stateside, and F1’s focus on sustainable fuels for 2026.
Red Bull launch their 2023 car, the RB19, at 2pm (GMT) today in New York City - where Ford have reportedly sent social media influencers in anticipation of a deal confirmation.
Ford executive chair Bill Ford said: “This is the start of a thrilling new chapter in Ford’s motorsports story that began when my great-grandfather won a race that helped launch our company.
“Ford is returning to the pinnacle of the sport, bringing Ford’s long tradition of innovation, sustainability and electrification to one of the world’s most visible stages.”
Despite an absence which will stretch to 22 years by the time they re-join, Ford remain the third-most succcessful engine manufacturer in F1 history - with 176 victories.
F1 news: BREAKING - Ford to rejoin Formula 1 as engine partner ahead of expected Red Bull deal
13:38 , Kieran Jackson
Ford will re-enter the world of Formula 1 in 2026 as an engine partner - and are widely expected to partner with Red Bull.
The Ford Motor Company, who were last involved in F1 in 2004 alongside Jaguar, will partner the current champions when new engine regulations come to the fray in 2026.
Ford have followed rivals General Motors, who announced a deal with Andretti to target an F1 entry for three years time, into F1 given the sport’s growing popularity, particularly stateside.
“The news today that Ford is coming to Formula 1 from 2026 is great for the sport and we are excited to see them join the incredible automotive partners already in Formula 1,” said Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.
F1 news: Red Bull ‘expected to sign deal with Ford’ ahead of 2023 car launch
12:59 , Kieran Jackson
Red Bull are reportedly on the verge of signing a deal with Ford ahead of their 2023 car launch on Friday.
Christian Horner’s team, who coasted to Drivers and Constructors’ success last season as Max Verstappen won his second world title, are in the market for an automotive partner having held talks with Porsche last summer.
Although negotiaions with the German giant broke down, several carmakers are in the market to join Formula 1 in the coming years given the sport’s surge in popularity.
The Ford Motor Company, who were last involved in F1 in 2004 alongside Jaguar, are one such interested party andThe Mirror report that a deal is expected to be agreed with Red Bull - and could be announced as early as Friday.
Red Bull launch their 2023 car, the RB19, on 3 February in New York City - where Ford have reportedly sent social media influencers in anticipation of a deal confirmation.
Red Bull ‘expected to sign deal with Ford’ ahead of 2023 car launch
F1 news: FIA formally opens applications for new teams to join F1 grid
12:26 , Kieran Jackson
The FIA have formally opened the process for applications to join the Formula 1 grid for 2025 at the earliest
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem last month verbally announced that world motorsport’s governing body were opening an “expressions of interest” process for new teams to join the paddock.
Since then, Andretti have announced a partnership with General Motors under their Cadillac brand to target an F1 entry, while Audi has purchased a minority stake in Sauberahead of their entry in 2026, when new engine regulations come into force.
Now the FIA have formally confirmed the application process, with prospective entries having until 30 April to submit applications - with a decision expected by 30 June. In a statement on Thursday, the FIA detailed that entries would be based on “rigorous financial and technical analysis” and “sustainability and positive societal impact criteria.”
FIA formally opens applications for new teams to join F1 grid
F1 news: ‘I had bananas thrown at me’: Lewis Hamilton details racist abuse suffered at school
11:59 , Kieran Jackson
Lewis Hamilton said he had bananas thrown at him and was repeatedly called the “n-word” at school.
The seven time Formula One world champion, who was born and educated in Stevenage, detailed the racial abuse in the On Purpose podcast, released on Monday. The 38-year-old, who is preparing for his 17th season in F1, said: “For me, school was the most traumatising and most difficult part of my life.
“I was already being bullied at the age of six. At that particular school I was one of three kids of colour and just bigger, stronger, bullying kids were throwing me around a lot of the time.
“And the constant jabs, the things that are either thrown at you, like bananas, or people that would use the n-word just so relaxed. People calling you half-caste and not knowing where you fit in. That for me was difficult.
“In my (secondary) school there were six or seven black kids out of 1,200 kids and three of us were put outside the headmasters’ office all the time. The headmaster just had it out for us – and particularly me.”
‘I had bananas thrown at me’: Lewis Hamilton details racist abuse suffered at school
F1 news: Valtteri Bottas questions FIA’s new political ban on F1 drivers
11:38 , Kieran Jackson
Valtteri Bottas has questioned the FIA’s new rule banning Formula 1 drivers from making political statements without prior approval, insisting: “I don’t understanding why they want to control us.”
The FIA’s international sporting code, which governs the running of motorsport competitions, has been updated with a new clause under breaches of the rules.
Drivers will now be in breach of the rules if they make or display “political, religious and personal statements or comments notably in violation of the general principle of neutrality promoted by the FIA under its statutes, unless previously approved in writing by the FIA for international competitions, or by the relevant ASN for national competitions within their jurisdiction”.
Alfa Romeo’s Bottas was team-mates with Lewis Hamilton - who has been vocal and outspoken on matters such as racial inequality and minority rights - for five years from 2017-2021 and believes the FIA are interfering too much with drivers’ freedom of speech with the new regulation.
“Personally, I don’t like politics,” Bottas told Swedish outlet Expressen. “I like doing what I love, which is racing, but at the same time politics is part of today’s society.
“I think Formula 1 has done a good job in drawing attention to some of these kinds of issues and many drivers have raised their voices, including Sebastian, says the Finnish Formula 1 star and continues.”
Valtteri Bottas questions FIA’s new political ban on F1 drivers
F1 news: Mercedes reserve driver Mick Schumacher available to another team in 2023
11:12 , Kieran Jackson
Mick Schumacher will also work with McLaren as part of his role as a Mercedes reserve driver in 2023. Schumacher was dropped from his race seat at Haas at the end of the 2022 campaign after two frustrating seasons, with Nico Hulkenberg replacing him.
In December, Mick - son of seven-time Formula 1 world champion Michael Schumacher - joined Mercedes as a reserve driver next season and will work to support Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.
Yet McLaren - who use Mercedes powered engines - announced on Wednesday that the 23-year-old’s services would also be available to them throughout 2023.
In a tweet alongside a photo of Schumacher completing a seat fit for McLaren, the team said: “McLaren will be able to call on Mick Schumacher as a reserve driver during the 2023 F1 season as part of our arrangement with Mercedes. Welcome to the family, Mick.”
Mercedes reserve driver Mick Schumacher available to another team in 2023
F1 news: When are other F1 teams launching their 2023 cars?
10:28 , Kieran Jackson
The 2023 Formula 1 season starts on 5 March in Bahrain - and preparations are well underway ahead of the new campaign.
All 10 teams have had more than two months since the final race of 2022 in Abu Dhabi and are set to reveal their new cars in the next few weeks, with pre-season testing taking place at the Bahrain International Circuit from 23-25 February.
Haas were the first team to unveil their new livery design for 2023 on Tuesday afternoon, uploading snaps of the VF-23’s bold colour scheme to their social media pages.
Red Bull will be the second team to follow suit in what is being described as a “season launch” for the 2022 champions in New York City on Friday. There is speculation that a new partnership with Ford could also be announced in the Big Apple.
Here are the 2023 car launch dates in chronological order:
Haas - Tuesday 31 January (Livery launch only)
Red Bull - Friday 3 February (New York)
Williams - Monday 6 February (Livery launch, online)
Alfa Romeo - Tuesday 7 February (Zurich)
AlphaTauri - Saturday 11 February (Livery launch, New York)
Aston Martin - Monday 13 February (Silverstone)
McLaren - Monday 13 February (location TBC)
Ferrari - Tuesday 14 February (location TBC)
Mercedes - Wednesday 15 February (Silverstone)
Alpine - Thursday 16 February (London)
F1 news: Red Bull ‘expected to sign deal with Ford’ ahead of 2023 car launch
10:14 , Kieran Jackson
Red Bull are reportedly on the verge of signing a deal with Ford ahead of their 2023 car launch on Friday.
Christian Horner’s team, who coasted to Drivers and Constructors’ success last season as Max Verstappen won his second world title, are in the market for an automotive partner having held talks with Porsche last summer.
Although negotiaions with the German giant broke down, several carmakers are in the market to join Formula 1 in the coming years given the sport’s surge in popularity.
The Ford Motor Company, who were last involved in F1 in 2004 alongside Jaguar, are one such interested party andThe Mirror report that a deal is expected to be agreed with Red Bull - and could be announced as early as Friday.
Red Bull launch their 2023 car, the RB19, on 3 February in New York City - where Ford have reportedly sent social media influencers in anticipation of a deal confirmation.
