The Race F1 Podcast What we learned from Audi's glitzy F1 'launch' event
Nov 13, 2025
Scott Mitchell-Malm, an F1 reporter, shares firsthand insights from Audi’s glitzy Munich event, detailing their Formula 1 preparations for 2026 and showcasing the unique show cars. He discusses Audi's emphasis on reliability for their initial engine strategy and the optimistic timeline for competitive performance. Valeria Loretty, a Principal Scientist at Shell, reveals the innovation behind the Shell-Ferrari partnership, focusing on high-performance fuel and lubricant development. Together, they explore Audi's ambitious goals and the exciting future of F1.
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Heritage-Driven Design Signals Intent
- Audi's 2026 show car blends retro Audi heritage with modern F1 styling to craft a distinct brand story.
- Scott Mitchell-Malm felt the vivid new red and titanium concept genuinely signal Audi's visual intent for F1.
Auto Union Demo Lifted The Event
- Scott described the Munich event as more than corporate theatre, with genuine motorsport heritage elements like an Auto Union demo.
- He said the presentation felt sincere and gave Audi a natural motorsport identity rather than a hollow PR exercise.
First Engines Prioritize Reliability
- Audi is prioritizing a conservative, reliability-first first engine to ensure miles and sign-off before pushing peak performance.
- Matthew Bonotto and others emphasised early engines will focus on durability ahead of performance upgrades.