Whether you’re already big fans of Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton, and newcomer Kimi Antonelli , or are just getting into the world of Formula 1®: the fact is, motorsport is art—exquisite forms, beneath whose streamlined lines powerful engines rev at full throttle.
In this article, we’ll tell you which race cars you can admireat the F1® Exhibition in Munich starting May 20, and give you a brief introduction to their history!
That’s why the race cars at the F1® Exhibition in Pineapple Park are so fascinating – an introduction.
Formula 1 hero Michael Schumacher’s “Mercedes W02”: The Silver Arrow
This 2011 race car, driven by the legendary Michael Schumacher alongside future world champion Nico Rosberg, was one of the first cars to feature the Drag Reduction System (DRS).
Normally, the powerful rear wings press the race cars down onto the asphalt with enormous force, much like an inverted airplane wing. But at high speeds, this acts like a brake parachute. DRS changed everything: At the push of a button, a movable flap in the rear wing opens, drag suddenly drops, and the car gets a massive speed boost! This ingenious invention turned overtaking on the straights into a real spectacle.
Hurry to the Formula 1® Exhibition in Munich, because this race car will only be on display for 2 weeks: The Audi R26.
The Audi R26 (2026) represents the present and future of motorsports. With this car, the traditional German brand Audi is making its historic debut as a factory team in the premier class.
Its state-of-the-art hybrid engine (“Audi AFR 26”) derives nearly half of its massive power (around 50%) from pure electricity! The car is driven by top drivers Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto.
Red Bull Racing RB16B – this race car embodies a breathtaking rivalry
This car is the ultimate “giant-slayer”! For seven long years, Mercedes had Formula 1® completely under control, winning every championship and seeming practically unbeatable. But the RB16B broke that winning streak.
Driven by the magnificent Max Verstappen, this car engaged in an epic battle against Lewis Hamilton in the Mercedes — in a season widely regarded as one of the most dramatic (and also most controversial). The rivalry was so intense that the decision wasn’t made until the very last, nerve-wracking lap of the final race in Abu Dhabi. It was a legendary sprint where everything was on the line. With a 2-second lead at the finish line, Max Verstappen clinched the World Championship in this car!
The “Walrus” Williams FW26 proves that Formula 1 engineers are basically mad scientists
The racing world was shocked! The engineers at Williams had designed a car with a bizarre, tusk-like nose. But there was a reason for it: The nose forced more air under the vehicle, thereby improving downforce (because F1® race cars “stick” to the ground).
Unfortunately, the nose was simply too heavy and too susceptible to crosswinds. The project was abandoned before the end of the season, and they reverted to a “normal” nose. Today, the FW26 serves as a reminder that while not every idea can succeed, people will long remember the brave souls who dare to try something new!
The Benetton B186 is pure, fearsome power!
In the wild 1980s, the engine regulations in Formula 1® were much more lenient than they are today. The small 1.5-liter BMW turbo engine in the B186 could be revved up briefly for short qualifying laps and generate over 1,400 horsepower. That makes it arguably the most powerful F1® car ever built.
And just imagine: The drivers had to handle this unstoppable rocket with a manual transmission and without modern electronic safety systems !
Toyota’s legendary “ghost car” TF110
For the 2010 season, Toyota invested heavily in the development of this race car. It was equipped with a highly innovative aerodynamic design . Hopes were high: This car will win the World Championship!
But before it could ever compete in a race, Toyota surprisingly withdrew from the sport entirely. The company was still grappling with the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. The TF110 is a legendary “what-if” masterpiece: a brilliant machine that never got the chance to prove its true worth in competition.
