Liveries, 2026 Predictions and Hot sauce challenge - Episode 2 - The Cooldown Lap
About this episode
Excitement brews as hosts Jogpaul and Garrett dive into the latest car launches and predictions for the upcoming racing season. They discuss the standout liveries from Red Bull and Haas, highlighting their unique presentations and design choices. The duo also shares their unfiltered predictions for driver placements, engaging in a friendly wager involving a spicy hot sauce challenge for the loser. With a mix of humor and insightful commentary, they explore team dynamics, engine performance, and the thrill of the upcoming races.
The Cooldown Lap – Episode 2 | Red Bull, Audi & 2026 Predictions
F1 launch season is officially here — and the liveries are doing all the talking 👀
In Episode 2 of The Cooldown Lap, we break down the brand-new looks from:
🔴 Red Bull
🟣 VCARB
⚪ Haas
🟡 Audi
Who nailed it?
Who played it safe?
And who already looks like a 2026 title contender?
Then we lock in our 2026 World Championship predictions — P1 to P20 — with no takebacks.
Every correct driver earns a point… and the loser will be hearing about it for years.
🎙️ Hosted by Jogpaul & Garrett
📊 Topics covered:
• Red Bull’s unchanged look — confidence or complacency?
• Why VCARB might have the best livery on the grid
• Is Haas finally serious?
• Audi’s first true F1 identity
• Alonso, Verstappen, Leclerc, Piastri & the 2026 title fight
👇 Drop a comment
Which team won the livery battle?
And who’s your 2026 champion?
📲 Follow us on Instagram for clips & debates:
@TheCooldownLap
#F1 #Formula1 #AudiF1 #RedBullRacing #HaasF1 #VCARB #F12026 #FernandoAlonso #MaxVerstappen #F1Podcast #TheCooldownLap #F1News #F1Liveries #Motorsport
power unit
"...walk us through what their power unit was going to do this year, walk us through the, you know, virtual nuts and bolts of it all."
A power unit is the engine and all the parts that help it run in a race car, including any technology that helps it use energy more efficiently.
In motorsport, a 'power unit' refers to the complete engine and energy recovery system used in a car. It encompasses the internal combustion engine, hybrid components, and any systems that manage energy flow.
Oracle
"...presentation that even involved the Oracle glasses to, you know, walk us through what their power unit was going to do this year..."
Oracle is a big tech company that makes software and tools that help businesses, including those in the car industry, use data better.
Oracle is a multinational computer technology corporation that provides software, cloud solutions, and hardware products. In the automotive context, they may be involved in data analytics and technology solutions for performance improvements.
live launch
"...they made it seem to be a live show, a live launch, but it was actually pre-recorded."
A live launch is when a new car is shown to everyone at the same time, usually through a live video or event, making it feel exciting and special.
A live launch refers to an event where a new product, such as a car, is unveiled to the public in real-time, often through a live broadcast. This can create excitement and engagement among fans and potential customers.
Ford Mustang
"...back when I used to work on my Mustang and whatnot. The more stickers you have on the more horsepower you get."
The Mustang is a popular sports car made by Ford. It's known for being fast and has a long history in American car culture.
The Ford Mustang is a classic American muscle car known for its performance and iconic design. It has been a symbol of American automotive culture since its introduction in the 1960s.
horsepower
"...back when I used to work on my Mustang and whatnot. The more stickers you have on the more horsepower you get. So hopefully all these stickers translate."
Horsepower measures how powerful an engine is. The higher the horsepower, the faster and more powerful the car can be.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to quantify the power output of engines. In automotive contexts, more horsepower generally means better acceleration and performance.
F1
"...it's cool to see them research back into F1."
F1 stands for Formula 1, which is a type of very fast car racing. It includes races held on special tracks and is known for its high-speed cars and skilled drivers.
F1, or Formula 1, is the highest class of single-seater auto racing, governed by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). It features a series of races known as Grands Prix, held on various circuits around the world.
Toyota
"That's Toyota. What is it?"
Toyota is a big car company from Japan that makes many different types of cars, including popular models like the Camry and Corolla.
Toyota is a Japanese automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, from sedans to trucks and hybrids. They are one of the largest car manufacturers in the world.
Gazoo Racing
"What is it? Gazoo racing? Yeah, man. Gazoo racing."
Gazoo Racing is a part of Toyota that works on making their cars faster and better for racing. They also compete in different racing events.
Gazoo Racing is Toyota's motorsport and performance division, responsible for developing high-performance versions of their vehicles and participating in various racing events. They focus on enhancing the driving experience and performance of Toyota cars.
Audi
"we're sponsored by Audi."
Audi is a car company from Germany that makes high-end cars. They are known for their stylish designs and innovative technology.
Audi is a German automotive manufacturer known for its luxury vehicles and advanced technology. The brand is part of the Volkswagen Group and is recognized for its Quattro all-wheel-drive system and sleek design.
Audi R26
"But the Audi R26. She pretty. She is."
The Audi R26 is a sporty car made by Audi. It's designed for performance and has a sleek look that many car enthusiasts appreciate.
The Audi R26 is a performance-oriented model from Audi, known for its sporty design and advanced engineering. It represents Audi's commitment to high-performance vehicles.
Lotus
"The almost bankrupt Lotus. I think Audi's probably got some deeper pockets to be able to fund that, but."
Lotus is a car company from the UK that makes sports cars. They have had some money problems recently, which is why they are mentioned as being 'almost bankrupt.'
Lotus is a British automotive company known for its lightweight sports cars and engineering innovations. The brand has faced financial difficulties in the past, which is referenced in the discussion about being 'almost bankrupt.'
race bonus
"I think the math on it was if he wins a race here in $750,000 on one race as a bonus."
A race bonus is extra money given to drivers for winning a race. Here, it's mentioned that winning a race could earn a driver $750,000, which shows how competitive and valuable racing can be.
A race bonus is a financial incentive awarded to drivers or teams for winning a race. In this case, the mention of a $750,000 bonus highlights the high stakes involved in competitive racing.
Honda
"but you were watching the Honda power unit a little bit more closely than I was because it's, you know,"
Honda is a car company from Japan that makes reliable and efficient vehicles, as well as motorcycles and other machinery.
Honda is a Japanese multinational corporation known for manufacturing automobiles, motorcycles, and power equipment, recognized for their reliability and efficiency.
limited changes
"...with limited changes that could be allowed to those engines as per the rules. So basically they were given a set amount of engines..."
Limited changes mean that teams can only change a few things on their engines to make them better. They have to follow strict rules about what they can and can't do.
Limited changes refer to the restrictions placed on modifications that can be made to the engines under specific racing regulations. This means teams can only make a certain number of adjustments to improve performance without violating the rules.
Aston Martin Racing
"...until now, now that they're working with Aston Martin racing. So..."
Aston Martin Racing is the part of Aston Martin that focuses on racing cars. They build and race high-performance cars in competitions.
Aston Martin Racing is the motorsport division of Aston Martin, a luxury British car manufacturer. They participate in various racing series and are known for their performance and engineering excellence.
MGUH unit
"...due to them removing the MGUH unit, which is basically using the overall heat to reproduce power for the battery,..."
The MGUH unit is a part of the hybrid system in F1 cars that helps turn heat from the engine into electricity. This electricity can be used to make the car go faster or to charge the battery.
The MGUH (Motor Generator Unit - Heat) is a component in hybrid power units used in Formula 1 that captures waste heat from the engine and converts it into electrical energy. This energy can then be used to charge the battery or provide additional power to the car.
turbocharger
"...the fan for the turbocharger for the boost of the car. And basically what that led to was taking that out,..."
A turbocharger is a part that helps the engine get more air, which makes it more powerful. It uses the exhaust from the engine to work, so it helps the car go faster without using more fuel.
A turbocharger is a device that uses exhaust gases to spin a turbine, which compresses incoming air to increase the engine's power output. It helps improve the engine's efficiency and performance by forcing more air into the combustion chamber.
boost
"...for the turbocharger for the boost of the car. And basically what that led to was taking that out,..."
Boost is the extra air pressure that helps the engine get more power. When a car has a turbocharger, it pushes more air into the engine, which makes it stronger and faster.
In automotive terms, 'boost' refers to the increased air pressure supplied to the engine by a turbocharger or supercharger, allowing for more fuel to be burned and thus increasing power output. It is a key factor in enhancing engine performance.
Lance Stroll
"...we got to give some love to our boy Lance. Come on now. I know you've got him up in P nine, but sorry, buddy. He's sitting in P 16 for me."
Lance Stroll is a race car driver from Canada who competes in Formula 1. He drives for the Aston Martin team and is known for his skills on the track.
Lance Stroll is a Canadian racing driver currently competing in Formula 1 for the Aston Martin team. He has been known for his performances in various racing series and is recognized as one of the prominent figures in Canadian motorsport.
P 16
"...Come on now. I know you've got him up in P nine, but sorry, buddy. He's sitting in P 16 for me."
'P 16' means that Lance Stroll is in 16th place in the race. In racing, drivers are ranked by their position, and 'P' stands for position.
'P 16' refers to the position of a driver in a race, specifically indicating that Lance Stroll is currently in 16th place. In motorsport, positions are often denoted by 'P' followed by a number, indicating the driver's rank in the race.
Plymouth P15
"I got Liam Lawson. P 15. Valtteri Bottas."
The Plymouth P15 is an old car from the 1950s that has a unique look and was popular during its time. People talk about it because it's a classic example of how cars used to be made and is loved by collectors.
The Plymouth P15, produced in the early 1950s, is a classic American car known for its distinctive design and post-war styling. It represents a significant era in automotive history when manufacturers were focusing on innovation and comfort, making it a notable topic in discussions about vintage cars.
Mercedes
"...there's going to be a lot of cool stuff going down. We've got Mercedes, Ferrari and Alpine,..."
Mercedes is a car brand that makes luxury cars and is known for being very high quality.
Mercedes is a well-known luxury automotive brand, famous for its high-quality vehicles and innovative technology.
Ferrari
"...there's going to be a lot of cool stuff going down. We've got Mercedes, Ferrari and Alpine,..."
Ferrari is a famous car brand from Italy that makes fast sports cars and is known for racing.
Ferrari is an iconic Italian sports car manufacturer, renowned for its high-performance vehicles and success in motorsport, particularly Formula 1.
Alpine
"...there's going to be a lot of cool stuff going down. We've got Mercedes, Ferrari and Alpine,..."
Alpine is a car brand from France that makes sporty cars and has a history in racing.
Alpine is a French automotive brand known for its lightweight sports cars and a strong heritage in motorsport, particularly rallying.
shakedown
"And I guess a little bit about the shakedown is they're"
A shakedown is like a practice run for race cars before the actual races start. It's a chance for the teams to make sure everything is working properly.
In motorsport, a shakedown refers to a preliminary test of a car before the official racing season begins. It allows teams to check the vehicle's systems and performance under real conditions, ensuring everything is functioning as expected.
Formula 1
"because like, again, this is the first full F1 season that I'll be watching."
Formula 1 is a type of car racing where specially designed cars compete in races called Grands Prix. It's famous for being very fast and using the latest technology.
Formula 1, often abbreviated as F1, is the highest class of international auto racing for single-seater formula racing cars. It features a series of races known as Grands Prix, held on various circuits around the world, and is known for its advanced technology and high-speed competition.
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