Audi unveils striking São Paulo-inspired livery for Interlagos

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Audi is bringing a distinctly São Paulo flavour to Interlagos this weekend, dressing its R26 in a striking special livery that pays tribute to the city and its most recognisable visual signatures.

Created by title partner Revolut, the one-off design combines deep racing green with golden accents and an intricate geometric pattern inspired by the Piso Paulista, the distinctive black-and-white pavement design found across the Brazilian metropolis.

The result is an aesthetic blend of local identity and motorsport sophistication, giving Audi's challenger a rather different look for one of the most emotionally charged weekends on its calendar.

But the makeover doesn't stop at the car. The São Paulo-inspired pattern will also feature on the race suits worn by Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hülkenberg, as well as the pit crew's apparel and the team's garage surroundings, ensuring the entire Audi operation gets a taste of Brazilian street style.

The initiative is part of a broader creative collaboration between Audi and its partners, following the launch of Revolut's São Paulo-themed bank card and Adidas' Sampa Soul collection.

"São Paulo has an unmistakable identity, and we wanted that to run through everything we bring to this race," explained Audi chief brand and commercial officer Stefano Battiston.

For Bortoleto, the transformation carries particular significance. Racing on home soil for the first time this season, the Brazilian rookie will enjoy an unmistakable visual reminder of where it all began – and a very stylish way to fly the flag in front of his passionate home crowd.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.