Audi makes US Formula 1 debut in Miami; brings the heat with all-new Audi RS 5 hot lap car
[*:cac8d51538]All-new Audi RS 5 makes debut in the F1 Pirelli Hot Lap Program with high-performance plug-in hybrid experience [*:cac8d51538]City-wide Miami activation spans fan experiences, partner moments and premium Audi Turn 1 hospitality [*:cac8d51538]Audi's debut in Miami marks return to factory racing stateside
MIAMI, April 30, 2026 - This weekend, Audi's performance DNA is on full-display as the brand makes its U.S. Formula 1 debut at the Miami Grand Prix. With a deep and successful motorsports history in North America, Audi's F1 debut marks a homecoming for the brand's return to factory racing in the states.
From the Wynwood district to the Miami Gardens, the 305 will be marked by the four rings this weekend. Citywide programming will span live-race screenings, immersive fan experiences, partner activations and local collaborations. On track, the brand will host a top-tier hospitality experience for fans and customers alike, to witness peak F1 energy and performance from a thrilling position on the track's first turn. Also, for the first time, the all-new Audi RS 5 will make its U.S. debut in the F1 Pirelli Hot Lap Program.
"Formula 1 is igniting Audi brand excitement across the U.S. and creating momentum you can feel," said Vito Paladino, President of Audi of America. "With our U.S. F1 debut at the Miami Grand Prix, we're tapping into an incredible level of energy and optimism around our brand while showcasing Audi performance on one of the world's most exciting global stages."
All-new Audi RS 5 makes U.S. debut in the F1 Pirelli Hot Lap Program
The all-new, high-performance, plug-in hybrid Audi RS 5 is the perfect choice for the Formula 1 Pirelli Hot Lap program. The special Titanium color and rings in Lava Red 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.
Attending guests now can experience the racetracks during Grand Prix weekends alongside professional racing drivers in the cockpit of sporty production vehicles. For the Miami Grand Prix, 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 is also a successful Audi dealer in his native Italy. Winkelhock caused a sensation at the Nrburgring in 2007 when he briefly took the lead during his only Formula 1 race appearance.
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 and support the U.S., the second-largest automotive market in the world. Up next, the launch of the all-new Audi Q9, as well as the all-new Audi Q7, the brand is rejuvenating and expanding its SUV lineup this year.
Together with the all-new Q3 model line, which has been available since March in the U.S., Audi will have the freshest premium SUV portfolio in the U.S. market by the end of the year. With a total of three F1 races in the market, strong product model mix and new brand leadership announced in April 2026, the U.S. market represents the largest growth potential globally and is poised to drive brand momentum.
On track and off-track city-wide activations
Beginning Friday, May 1, through Sunday, May 3, Audi will open its premium on track Turn 1 Club hospitality, offering fans and customers a front-row vantage point at the track's first turn, to experience peak F1 energy and performance. The Audi R26 replica will be displayed outside the Club all weekend, inviting racegoers to explore the car and livery up close and capture a memorable moment from the brand's Miami debut.
Off track, Wynwood's MAPS Backlot will transform into an open, high-energy experience where fans, partners and media can step inside the world of the Audi Revolut F1 Team. Open beginning Thursday, April 30, the venue will host live screenings of every on-track session alongside a curated program of interactive experiences, partner activations and cultural moments.
Success in U.S. motorsports
Audi has been successful in motorsports for more than 100 years and is no stranger to factory racing in North America. From the record-setting hill climb at Pikes Peak, to multiple ALMS championships and winning the Daytona 24-hour race in GT racing, the brand has been thrilling racing fans stateside since the 1980s. The Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix will mark Audi's first U.S. race as a factory team since 2021 when the brand competed at Formula E in New York City.
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