Each year, Formula 1 transforms Melbourne into one of the most energetic cities on the racing calendar. Cafés fill with fans, riverfront bars buzz late into the night, and the streets around Albert Park become a part of the excitement.
This year, from 6-8 March, as drivers begin arriving in the city for the Australian Grand Prix, the debut of the Audi Revolut F1 Team is ramping up the excitement, marking its F1 debut. To mark the occasion, Audi has spread its race-week programme across Melbourne, creating a series of public experiences that tap into the city’s food, music and café culture. Stefano Battiston, Chief Commercial Officer of Audi Revolut F1 Team says, “Our entry into Formula 1 is not only about competing on track. It is about how we show up as a brand.”
By embedding its presence into cafés, restaurants, nightlife and community events across the city, the team has turned Melbourne into part of the Grand Prix experience, and here are a few places to soak it all up.
AFLOAT: A floating F1 hub on the Yarra
At the centre of Audi’s programme is AFLOAT, a floating bar and restaurant moored on the Yarra River that’s been transformed into the team’s public headquarters for the week. Throughout the Grand Prix weekend, the venue hosts live screenings of every F1 session, plus the Audi R26 show car is on display alongside the Audi R8 LMP endurance racer, acting as a reminder of the brand’s long motorsport heritage. Inside, racing simulators, immersive installations and technology showcases bring visitors closer to the engineering story behind the team’s F1 project. As the sun sets, the venue turns into a social hub with DJs and sunset music sessions that overlook the river.
Nico’s Deli: Driver-designed sandwiches
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The brand has also partnered with one of Melbourne’s cult sandwich spots, Nico’s Deli. Especially for race week, drivers Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto have each created their own limited-edition sandwich inspired by their personal tastes. Bortoleto’s version features slow-cooked oxtail with fresh mozzarella, tomato and chimichurri salsa, while Hülkenberg’s combines braised pork, mortadella, Swiss cheese and a fresh cucumber salad. The sandwiches, branded with the drivers’ race numbers, are available across multiple Nico’s locations during this time.
Post lights out: Sunset sessions and the OverTake After Party
When the on-track action ends, the programme moves into nightlife with BabyJ headlining. Audi’s title partner Revolut is curating sunset DJ sessions throughout the week at AFLOAT, turning the riverside venue into a relaxed evening gathering spot for fans and locals alike. The celebrations build toward “OverTake: The After Party,” a Saturday night event at The Timber Yard in Port Melbourne featuring a line-up of Australian DJs and performers.
Axil Coffee Roasters: Coffee meets Formula 1
No Melbourne experience is complete without coffee, and Audi has embraced the city’s reputation as one of the world’s great coffee capitals. The team partnered with specialty roaster Axil Coffee Roasters for a race-week collaboration across cafés throughout the city. As part of the partnership, Axil is also hosting an F1-themed barista masterclass led by World Barista Champion Jack Simpson, offering fans a deeper look into the craft behind Melbourne’s coffee culture.
Running: adidas Community runs along the Yarra
Audi’s apparel partner adidas is also getting involved, hosting community runs along the Yarra River during the race weekend. The early-morning routes will bring runners together before the crowds gather at Albert Park, finishing back at AFLOAT where participants can refuel with coffee, food and music. The runs coincide with the launch of the Audi Revolut F1 Team x adidas collection, which includes both official teamwear worn by drivers and mechanics and a lifestyle-focused fanwear range.
Quick summary – Australian Grand Prix
- 📍 Location: Various venues across Melbourne, Australia
- 📅 Dates: 6–8 March 2026
- 🏎️ Event: Audi Revolut F1 Team activations during Australian Grand Prix race week
- 🎟 Access: Public experiences across cafés, restaurants, and nightlife venues
- 🌟 Key Activations: AFLOAT floating bar on the Yarra River, driver-designed sandwiches at Nico’s Deli, F1-themed barista masterclass with Axil Coffee Roasters, and adidas community runs
- 🎶 Nightlife: Sunset DJ sessions at AFLOAT and OverTake after party at The Timber Yard, Port Melbourne
