So Short question: How do Engine sounds get recorded?

To be clear, I wouldn't say "all our problems would be solved with better mic placement" but it is a contributing factor. I'd point out that we do sit down and analyse race footage from different GPs every year (with commentary removed) and have noticed even on board recordings from the same driver/car can sound significantly different from race to race over the course of a season. On top of that the work we do is before the season has begun from cars that are very much still being tested.

Whatever the solution I can tell you that we put a lot of effort into this every year and we're always making improvements. I get the argument that we don't sound identical to the TV footage but there's no way our recordings can be descibed as "not authentic" etc... as I've read on various threads online.