This coming weekend (October 9–11), Audi will compete in a Formula 1 night race for the first time. As part of the Singapore Grand Prix, the new Audi RS 5 will also have a grand stage to mark its market launch in overseas markets – featuring a special design that captures the unique atmosphere of the Asian metropolis.

The key facts

  • First night race for Audi in Formula 1
  • Market launch of the new Audi RS 5 in Singapore and other overseas markets
  • Audi R26 and Audi RS 5 with special designs
  • Presentation of the Audi RS 5 at the Funan Mall and the Audi House of Progress
  • Never before has an Audi RS model had such a successful market launch
  • Entire 2026 annual production of the RS 5 already sold out
  • Orders on the European market are nearly twice as high as expected

Strong start for the new Audi RS 5 in Europe

Audi’s new RS model has had a remarkable market launch: the entire annual production for 2026 is already sold out. The number of orders on the European market is nearly twice as high as originally expected, underscoring the positive response from European customers.

Now comes the next step: The Audi RS 5 – produced at the Audi plant in Neckarsulm – is now also available outside of Europe. Sales are launching in Australia and New Zealand, markets that have traditionally been particularly enthusiastic about Audi Sport. Sales will begin simultaneously in Japan, followed by Korea, Taiwan, and other overseas markets.

Audi uses Formula 1 as a showcase for the RS 5

As Audi Sport’s first high-performance plug-in hybrid, the RS 5 – much like Audi’s Formula 1 involvement – embodies the fusion of electrification and performance. This is another reason why the company repeatedly uses Formula 1 as a showcase for the RS 5. Both the Avant and Sedan are showcased at select races as part of the racing series’ ‘Hot Lap’ program, along with other events.

Special design inspired by Singapore at night

To mark its market launch in Singapore, the 470 kW (639 hp) plug-in hybrid also bears a strong visual resemblance to the Audi R26 of Audi Revolut F1 Team. The new RS 5 is an integral part of numerous promotional activities surrounding the first night race of the Formula 1 season, which Audi is celebrating with a special design: The two Audi R26 race cars driven by Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto will take the track in the Asian metropolis, featuring a variant of the brand’s new signature Titanium Silver Gray color inspired by Singapore at night. The color translates Singapore’s shifting light into a unique design. Its bluish shimmer is inspired by twilight and the reflections of the illuminated architecture at Marina Bay. Under the track lighting, the visual effect of the color changes as the car moves, gaining depth.

The new Audi RS 5 will also be on display in this special color – for example, at the famous Funan Mall at the entrance to the race track and at the Audi House of Progress on Cross Street.

Audi honors Singapore’s culture with special livery

The Formula 1 team is taking it a step further: The special livery on both race cars also draws inspiration from the traditional local tile culture with its colorful, ornamental Peranakan patterns, thereby honoring Singapore as a cultural melting pot. The design reflects the city’s diversity and its multifaceted visual influences. The drivers’ racing suits also feature the same design.

Under the motto ‘The Art of Influence,’ the team, together with its partners, is planning numerous on-site activities for fans during race week, ranging from culinary collaborations to community events such as a run and public viewings. adidas is once again offering a matching collection as a special drop.

The Singapore Grand Prix begins on Sunday at 8 PM local time (2 PM in Germany).

Conclusion

At the first night race of the Formula 1 season, Audi is unveiling its new Audi RS 5. Audi Sport’s first high-performance plug-in hybrid is celebrating its market debut in overseas markets in a special color, which is also part of the special livery on the two Audi R26 race cars driven by Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto.

Frequently asked questions

When was the new Audi RS 5 unveiled?
The new Audi RS 5 was unveiled in February 2026. It has been available for order in Germany since the first quarter of 2026 and has been in delivery since June 2026. Other European countries followed gradually, and now the first overseas markets are being added as well.

What is the Formula 1 ‘Hot Lap’ program?
As part of the ‘Hot Lap’ program, guests can experience Formula 1 race tracks on Grand Prix weekends by riding in the passenger seat of high-performance production vehicles alongside professional race car drivers. Since the Miami Grand Prix, Audi has been using the new Audi RS 5 Sedan as an official ‘Hot Lap’ car. The new Audi RS 5 Avant has also been in use since the British Grand Prix.

Will the special color also be available for production models?
The color used for this special design was developed specifically for the Singapore Grand Prix and is not available for order.

Since when has Audi been represented in Formula 1?
Audi entered Formula 1 this year with its own factory team and a hybrid powertrain developed in Germany. Formula 1 is regarded as the pinnacle of motorsport and, with its global reach, is one of the most important sports platforms in the world. Thanks to open competition, Formula 1 provides an environment for the development and testing of electrified powertrain technologies and for novel fuels derived from synthetic and renewable biological sources.

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