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Audi's new F1 entry could serve as inspiration for a series of limited-edition RS road cars, but Formula One engineers may not be involved.
Special-edition Audi performance cars inspired by Formula One are under consideration, to draw on its investment in the world's premier motorsport series.
F1-themed versions of road cars are not new in the automotive world, offered by brands from Renault and Alfa Romeo to BMW, Aston Martin, and Mercedes-AMG.
Audi could be next on the list, hints Jürgen Rittersberger, Audi head of finance, legal affairs and IT, as well as a member of the F1 team's board of directors.
"Let's see," Rittersberger told Drive at the Australian Grand Prix, when asked if there is space for F1 editions of Audi Sport performance models, such as the latest RS5 plug-in hybrid.
Pressed on whether a hypothetical RS5 'F1 Edition' would boost performance, or just styling, the executive said: "If we do something like an RS5 special edition, yeah, from my point of view, it should be more than only branding, it should also be loaded with content."
Audi's entry into Formula One has come through its acquisition of Sauber Motorsport, the Swiss team that raced with Alfa Romeo branding from 2018 to 2023.
The partnership saw Sauber develop the aerodynamics of the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA and GTAm sports sedans, with badges on the side skirts to signify the team's involvement.
A similar use of ex-Sauber Formula One engineers to develop road cars is less likely at Audi, however.
"Not in engineering, but for sure, we have some opportunities to work together with our Formula One colleagues, especially also with the drivers," Rittersberger said.
"Maybe they can, for example, help to buy the application of the car from time to time – especially here, also for the sports cars.
"Not, let's say, for a Q3 or A3, but for RS5 or something like that, it could be helpful to have a driver in the car and hear their opinion."
The latest Audi RS5 made its Australian debut at the Grand Prix in Melbourne over the weekend, powered by a 2.9-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 assisted by plug-in hybrid technology.
Audi typically rolls out limited-edition specials based on its RS performance cars in the final two years of their model runs.
Alex Misoyannis has been writing about cars since 2017, when he started his own website, Redline. He contributed for Drive in 2018, before joining CarAdvice in 2019, becoming a regular contributing journalist within the news team in 2020. Cars have played a central role throughout Alex’s life, from flicking through car magazines at a young age, to growing up around performance vehicles in a car-loving family. Highly Commended - Young Writer of the Year 2024 (Under 30) Rising Star Journalist, 2024 Winner Scoop of The Year - 2024 Winner
