FIRST LOOK: Red Bull reveal 2023 RB19 during spectacular New York launch event

Red Bull have kicked off their 2023 season by unveiling a launch version of the RB19, the car the Milton Keynes outfit hope will enable them to defend both F1 world titles.

Red Bull assembled in New York on Friday for a so-called ‘season launch’, with Team Principal Christian Horner present to oversee proceedings alongside full-time racers Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, and third driver Daniel Ricciardo.

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The team showcased their 2023 look with the traditional blue, yellow and red scheme – which captures the Red Bull company’s core colours.

However, Horner revealed that Red Bull will stage a competition for fans to design a special livery for the three races held in the United States this year – with Miami and Austin to be joined by a new Las Vegas event.

Red Bull head into the 2023 campaign looking to retain the drivers’ and constructors’ titles, having stormed to 17 wins from 22 races under the 2022 rules reset – 15 scored by reigning double world champion Verstappen.

Speaking at the launch, Horner commented: “It’s incredibly special to be in the Big Apple, in the US, in New York. The US is playing such a big role in F1 these days – three Grands Prix, [with] Las Vegas coming onto the calendar as well – so it seemed only fitting to unveil the RB19, and our plans for the season ahead, here.”

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Those plans include the start of a new relationship with American manufacturer Ford, who will work with Red Bull’s Powertrains division to develop a turbo-hybrid power unit for the recently-agreed 2026 engine regulations.

As for Red Bull’s 2023 on-track expectations, Horner continued: “It’s going to be an incredible season. Our rivals, for sure, haven’t stood still. We’re expecting Ferrari to be competitive, Mercedes are going to be there, [and] there’s some other teams that could well make some big progress as well.

“This time of year, it’s all a big unknown, and it’s a question of focusing on ourselves, doing the best we can. Then in Bahrain, in a couple of weeks’ time, we’ll get to see everybody’s car and we’ll realise, ‘Have we missed something? Have we not?’

“Then we set off on this 23-race journey between March and November. There’s going to be highs and lows along the way, I’m sure, but I think we’re in a good place and looking to carry on that momentum from last year.”

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As Horner alluded to, Red Bull’s new car – and the machines created by their nine F1 rivals – will take to the track for pre-season testing in Bahrain from February 23-25, followed by the opening round at the same Sakhir venue a week later.