- Audi has officially appointed Thomas Fuhr as the new Chief Executive Officer of Audi Formula Racing GmbH in Neuburg.
- The appointment enables Chief Technical Director Stefan Dreyer to concentrate entirely on technical engine development while COO Christian Foyer manages day-to-day operations.
- Fuhr previously served as managing director of Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains and brings more than 30 years of engineering and corporate management experience.
Thomas Fuhr Appointed CEO of Audi Formula Racing GmbH
Audi has announced that Thomas Fuhr will become CEO of Audi Formula Racing GmbH, taking charge of the specialized Neuburg-based division responsible for developing the German manufacturer’s Formula 1 power units. Fuhr’s arrival marks a strategic expansion at the helm of the Neuburg facility, designed to streamline leadership responsibilities as the project progresses.
According to Audi, integrating Fuhr into the executive structure will enable chief technical director Stefan Dreyer to “focus fully on leading the technical development of Audi’s Formula 1 power unit”. Alongside Fuhr and Dreyer, Chief Operating Officer Christian Foyer will remain in his position to supervise day-to-day operations across the Neuburg plant, establishing a distinct three-pronged leadership team across corporate, technical, and operational domains.
Veteran Powertrain and Industrial Leadership Experience
Fuhr enters the role backed by more than three decades of high-level industrial and technical expertise. Most notably in motorsport, he served as the managing director of Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains between 2009 and 2012. Beyond the racing sector, Fuhr held senior executive posts at major manufacturing brands including GROHE and LIXIL, and he transitions to Audi after working as the Chief Technology Officer of Georg Fischer Building Flow Solutions. This background in driving complex international engineering and production structures positioned him as a prime candidate for Audi as it scales up its dedicated F1 engine program.
Audi F1 CEO and team principal Mattia Binotto welcomed the managerial addition, expressing strong confidence in Fuhr’s proven leadership qualities. “We have built strong foundations in Neuburg, developing Audi’s first Formula 1 power unit from the ground up,” Audi F1 CEO and team boss Mattia Binotto was quoted. “As Thomas understands both the technical challenge and what it takes to build and lead high-performing teams, I am confident he will play a key role by further developing the team and its organisation to make us the best F1 manufacturer. I am very much looking forward to welcoming him to the team.”
Expressing his commitment to the ongoing program, Fuhr noted the substantial milestones already achieved at the facility. Fuhr added: “I am proud to join Audi’s Formula 1 project. The chance to help shape Audi’s future in the sport is what makes this opportunity so exciting. The team in Neuburg has developed an entirely new power unit and brought it to the track. I want to build on that work by bringing together expertise across the organization and creating the conditions for us to compete at the highest level.”
Why This Matters
The establishment of a dedicated chief executive at Audi Formula Racing GmbH represents an important restructuring phase for Audi’s ambitious works project. Audi previously eliminated the CEO role at its engine division at the start of 2025, a shift that occurred when former CEO Adam Baker left the organisation. By reinstating the position with a veteran from Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains, Audi bridges high-tier corporate governance with deep motorsport engine familiarity.
Freeing Stefan Dreyer from broader corporate tasks allows the technical department to sharpen its full attention on power unit performance, reliability, and continuous iteration following the unit’s debut this season. Under Mattia Binotto’s wider leadership, this strategic addition in Neuburg reinforces Audi’s long-term commitment to becoming a top-tier factory competitor in Formula 1.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Thomas Fuhr’s role at Audi?
Thomas Fuhr has been appointed CEO of Audi Formula Racing GmbH, placing him in charge of the Neuburg facility that develops Audi’s Formula 1 power units.
How does Fuhr’s appointment affect Audi’s technical leadership?
Fuhr’s presence as CEO allows Chief Technical Director Stefan Dreyer to dedicate his full focus toward leading the technical development of the F1 power unit, while COO Christian Foyer continues overseeing day-to-day operations.
What previous Formula 1 experience does Thomas Fuhr have?
Fuhr served as the managing director of Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains from 2009 to 2012, bringing proven experience in managing competitive Formula 1 engine operations.
