Audi Sport high-performance plug-in hybrid in action as part of the Formula 1 support program from now on
Guests to experience F1 racetracks alongside professional racing drivers
F1 involvement accompanies Audi’s model initiative in the US market
Audi’s transformation can now also be experienced as part of the Formula 1 support program: At the Miami Grand Prix, the Audi RS 5 makes its debut as a car for the hot-lap program. Like the current generation of F1 powertrains, the vehicle features an electrified drivetrain.
As Audi Sport’s first high-performance plug-in hybrid, the new Audi RS 5 marks the beginning of a new era of performance – with electrifying power, impressive performance figures, and a world-first technical innovation: quattro with Dynamic Torque Control. The electromechanical torque vectoring unleashes the dynamic potential of the RS 5, particularly in corners, by precisely directing drive torque to the wheel with the higher grip. This creates a razor-sharp, nimble, and always controllable driving experience.
Precise, sporty driving and hybrid powertrain are not mutually exclusive
With a maximum system output of 470 kW (639 hp)12 and a top speed of up to 285 km/h, the new Audi RS 5 is the perfect choice for the F1® Pirelli Hot Laps as part of the Formula 1 support program. Guests can experience the racetracks during Grand Prix weekends alongside professional racing drivers in the cockpits of sporty production vehicles.
With the Audi RS 5, Audi demonstrates that spirited cornering and a high-performance hybrid powertrain are not mutually exclusive. For the first time, Audi Sport combines a powerful 2.9-liter V6 biturbo combustion engine with 375 kW (510 hp) and a 130 kW electric motor12 in the new RS 5. As a result, the model sets new standards in its class in terms of the combination of performance and fuel economy.
Professional racing drivers with an Audi history behind the wheel
Two Audi RS 5 models are now in action as production vehicles without additional technical modifications at select Formula 1 races, demonstrating their superior dynamic driving capabilities. The special Titanium color and Lava Red rings on the front, rear, and wheel hub caps of the black rims add subtle accents inspired by the color palette of the Audi R26 race car.
The vehicles are prepared and maintained by experienced racing engineers from Audi Sport. Two racing professionals, Dindo Capello and Markus Winkelhock, will be behind the wheel – both of whom have celebrated numerous major successes with Audi in the past.
Capello was particularly successful in the US as well. He won the Sebring 12 Hours five times and claimed the American Le Mans Series title twice. Winkelhock is a three-time winner of the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring where he caused a sensation in 2007 when he briefly took the lead during his only Formula 1 race appearance.
“I’m really looking forward to introducing guests to the Formula 1 racetracks and, above all, to the agility and dynamism of the new Audi RS 5,” says Winkelhock. “Especially in tight corners like those on the track around the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, the quattro with Dynamic Torque Control can really showcase its advantages. For me, this is tangible Vorsprung durch Technik, which Audi drivers can experience through an exceptional blend of maximum sportiness and everyday comfort.”
F1: A powerful platform for a growing market
The location for the premiere of the Audi RS 5 as a hot-lap car was chosen deliberately: Audi aims to grow its presence in the US market, the second-largest automotive market in the world. Up next, with the launch of the Audi Q9, as well as the new Audi Q7, the brand is rejuvenating and expanding its SUV lineup this year.
Along with the new Q3 model line, which has been available in the US since March and is currently being promoted through a new brand campaign featuring US actors Morgan Freeman and Chase Infiniti, Audi plans to offer the freshest premium SUV portfolio on the US market by the end of the year.
“Formula 1 is captivating more and more people around the world. We’re leveraging this momentum to infuse the Audi brand with emotional appeal. At the same time, we aim to achieve sustainable growth in the US, and to that end, we’re already bringing our transformation to life on the road. The Audi Q9, tailored for the US market, will be the flagship of our portfolio. I’m already looking forward to its launch, which will take place later this year,” says Marco Schubert, Member of the Board of Management for Sales and Marketing at AUDI AG.
Audi leads the premium brands in vehicle safety; only this April, the renowned US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded six models its highest rating.
Strong growth of Formula 1 in the US
Formula 1 is experiencing a major boom in the US – no other market is seeing stronger growth for the racing series. The three US races in Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas were all sold out in 2025, and TV ratings throughout the season reached new highs. Audi of America and Audi Revolut F1 Team are capitalizing on this enormous potential with activations in Miami – for example, with an interactive experience in the Wynwood Art District. This trendy neighborhood is famous for its creative murals. In conjunction with the Grand Prix in Miami, the first special drop from the adidas x Audi Revolut F1 Team collection is also being released.
Audi has a long and successful history in motorsport in North America. With the Audi R26 and the F1 hybrid powertrain developed in Germany, the brand is competing in a race in the US as a factory team for the first time since the 2021 Formula E race in New York. The Miami Grand Prix begins on Sunday (May 3) at 4 PM local time (10 PM in Germany).
