Strap In: Audi RS 5 Offers F1 Track Ride-Alongs

[Source: Audi]

If you have ever dreamed of piloting the Audi R26 around a Formula 1 racetrack, this is the next best thing. At the Miami Grand Prix, the Audi RS 5 makes its debut as a car for the Formula 1 hot-lap program. You get to ride shotgun in the all-new RS 5 as a professional racing driver pushes the hybrid sports sedan around the track.

The Audi RS 5 signals a major shift for Audi Sport, ushering in a new era of electrified performance without sacrificing driving excitement. As the brand’s first high-performance plug-in hybrid, it combines a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor to produce a massive 639 horsepower, proving that hybrid tech can enhance, not dilute, performance.

The New RS 5

A standout innovation is Audi’s new quattro with Dynamic Torque Control, an advanced torque-vectoring system that precisely distributes power to the wheels with the most grip. The result is sharper cornering, improved agility, and a more controlled, confidence-inspiring drive.

With a top speed of up to 285 km/h (177 mph), the RS 5 is more than capable of handling high-speed environments like F1 Pirelli Hot Laps which is part of the Formula 1 support program. In fact, fans will be able to experience it firsthand as a passenger during F1 weekend ride-alongs, showcasing how seamlessly Audi blends hybrid efficiency with true RS-level performance.

F1 Hot Laps

The factory specification Audi RS 5 is hitting select Formula 1 weekends finished in a striking Titanium color with Lava Red accents inspired by the Audi R26. Behind the wheel are two Audi racing legends: Dindo Capello and Markus Winkelhock. Both bring serious pedigree, from Le Mans victories to Nürburgring 24-hour wins, ensuring passengers are in expert hands.

“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.”

New Audi Products

Audi didn’t choose the Miami Grand Prix stage for the Audi RS 5 by accident. The U.S., the world’s second-largest automotive market, is a key battleground for the brand, and moments like this are designed to put Audi performance front and center with American enthusiasts.

But this push goes well beyond hot laps. Audi is in the middle of a major SUV offensive, aimed squarely at refreshing and expanding its lineup for U.S. buyers. The upcoming Audi Q9 will headline that effort, joined by an updated Audi Q7. Together, they signal Audi’s intent to compete more aggressively in the high-demand premium SUV space. At the same time, the latest Audi Q3, already on sale since March, is helping bring new customers into the fold. Backed by a high-profile campaign featuring Morgan Freeman and Chase Infiniti, the Q3 is positioned as a gateway into the brand’s evolving lineup.

If you are still skeptical of the new Audi lineup, perhaps a lap around a Formula 1 track in the all-new RS 5 will change your mind. That experience may have seemed like a pipedream just yesterday, but Audi is making it a reality.