Audi RS 5 becomes Formula 1 hot-lap car. And yes, we want one at Spa

Audi, if you are reading this: we are ready for that passenger seat.

At the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, the new Audi RS 5 makes its debut as part of the F1 Pirelli Hot Laps programme, giving guests the chance to experience a Grand Prix circuit from the passenger seat, driven by professional racing drivers.

And this is not just a random support car with stickers on it. This is Audi placing one of its most important new performance cars directly in front of the Formula 1 audience, at exactly the right moment.

The first high-performance plug-in hybrid from Audi Sport

The new Audi RS 5 marks a serious shift for the brand. For the first time, Audi Sport combines a 2.9-litre V6 biturbo with a powerful electric motor, creating a plug-in hybrid performance car with a total system output of 470 kW, or 639 hp. Top speed sits at up to 285 km/h, which makes it more than fast enough for the job.

But the real story is not just the power. It is how Audi wants this car to feel. The RS 5 introduces quattro with Dynamic Torque Control, an electromechanical torque vectoring system designed to send power precisely to the wheel with the most grip. In simple terms, it should make the car sharper, more agile and more controlled through corners.

Formula 1 is becoming Audi’s global stage

The Miami debut is no coincidence. Audi is preparing for its full Formula 1 future, and the brand understands that F1 is no longer just a racing championship. It is a global visibility platform, especially in the United States.

That fits perfectly with Audi’s broader strategy. The brand wants to grow in the US market, expand its SUV range with models like the upcoming Audi Q9, and make its transformation feel more emotional, not just technical.

Using the RS 5 as a hot-lap car is smart because it connects Audi’s road-car performance story with Formula 1 before the brand even arrives on the grid. It is a warm-up lap for the entire brand.

Real racing names behind the wheel

Audi is also doing this properly. The RS 5 hot-lap cars will be driven by Dindo Capello and Markus Winkelhock, two drivers with deep Audi history. Capello has major endurance success in the US, including multiple Sebring 12 Hours victories, while Winkelhock brings serious touring car, GT and Nürburgring experience.

Miami is good, but Spa would be better

And here is where we have to say it. Miami makes sense from a marketing point of view. It is glamorous, commercial, and perfect for Audi’s American growth story. But if Audi really wants to show what the RS 5 can do, bring it to Spa-Francorchamps during the Belgian Grand Prix.

Because Spa is not just another circuit. It is fast, flowing, technical and brutally honest. If quattro with Dynamic Torque Control works through corners like Pouhon, Blanchimont and Raidillon, then we will believe the message instantly. Audi, if you are reading this: we are ready for that passenger seat.

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This is a smart move from Audi. The new RS 5 needs to prove that electrification does not weaken Audi Sport, but gives it a new direction. Putting it on an F1 circuit, next to professional drivers and real racing energy, is exactly the right way to do that.

But the challenge is bigger than one hot-lap programme. Audi has to make sure its performance cars still feel emotional in a hybrid future. Power is easy, speed is easy but connection is harder.

And yes, we will say it again. Miami is nice. But let us feel it at Spa.