Audi News Roundup: F1 in Madrid, RS Q5 & the Q9 & A6 Make the Cut for Vehicles of the Year

Audi is entering one of the busiest stretches of 2026, both on the road and at the racetrack. On this episode of All Wheel Driven, Joe Kucinski breaks down the latest developments from Audi, including the team’s first Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, the upcoming RS Q5, recognition for the new A6 and Q9 in the 2027 North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year awards, and what’s ahead for Audi as its first Formula 1 season enters its final stretch.

First, we head to Madrid for Audi’s debut at the new Madring circuit. Nico Hülkenberg brought the Audi Revolut F1 Team home in 10th place to score another championship point, while Gabriel Bortoleto finished 13th. We’ll look at what Audi learned from its first race at the new circuit, the importance of qualifying at a track where overtaking can be difficult, and how the team can use the remaining races of 2026 to build toward the future.

Then we turn our attention to the Q5 lineup, where Audi Sport appears to be preparing something special. The first-ever RS Q5 has been spotted testing at the Nürburgring in both SUV and Sportback form. Reports suggest the RS Q5 could share an electrified powertrain with the new RS 5, potentially combining a twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor and producing more than 600 horsepower. While those figures remain unconfirmed, the RS Q5 could become an important addition to Audi Sport’s performance SUV lineup.

We’ll also look at two very different Audi models making their way through the 2027 North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year awards. The all-new A6 remains in contention in the Car of the Year category, while the new Q9 is competing for Utility Vehicle of the Year. We’ll discuss what the ninth-generation A6 brings to the table and how Audi’s first full-size SUV fits into the lineup above the Q7.

Finally, we look ahead at the remainder of Audi’s first Formula 1 season. From Baku and the return to Sepang to Singapore, Austin, Mexico, São Paulo, Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi, there are plenty of opportunities for Audi to gather valuable data and experience. With the final races of the season approaching, what can the team learn in 2026 that will directly influence the development of the R26 and the future of Audi F1?

From the racetrack to the showroom, Audi is building out an increasingly diverse lineup while simultaneously laying the foundation for its future in Formula 1. We’ll bring all of these stories together and look at where Audi is headed over the next year.

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