Audi has appointed former Mercedes engine executive Thomas Fuhr as CEO of Audi Formula Racing GmbH, strengthening the management structure behind its Formula 1 power unit programme. The German manufacturer has brought in an experienced figure to oversee its Neuburg an der Donau facility, where the power unit that marked Audi’s entry into Formula 1 in 2026 was developed.
The appointment represents a significant leadership change within Audi’s Formula 1 project, separating responsibility for the technical development of its engine from the management of the organisation supporting that work. Thomas Fuhr brings more than 30 years of industry experience, including a previous spell leading Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains.
Audi appoints former Mercedes engine chief to lead F1 power unit division
Thomas Fuhr will take charge of the Neuburg facility and reinforce Audi’s existing management team, according to Motorsport-Total. The restructuring will allow technical director Stefan Dreyer to concentrate entirely on the technical development of Audi’s Formula 1 power unit, while chief operating officer Christian Foyer will continue to oversee day-to-day operations at the site.
By giving these responsibilities clearly defined areas of focus, Audi aims to strengthen both its technical and organisational capabilities as it continues building its Formula 1 operation. The manufacturer developed its first power unit from scratch for the 2026 championship, entering a competitive environment in which established engine manufacturers such as Mercedes already possessed extensive experience.
Thomas Fuhr brings more than 30 years of experience to Audi
Thomas Fuhr arrives with a professional background spanning more than three decades across the engineering and manufacturing sectors. Between 2009 and 2012, he served as CEO of Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains, gaining leadership experience within one of Formula 1’s established engine operations.
Following his time at Mercedes, Thomas Fuhr held senior management positions at GROHE and LIXIL. More recently, he worked as chief technology officer at Georg Fischer Building Flow Solutions, where he was responsible for leading international engineering and manufacturing organisations.
Audi has therefore selected an executive who combines technical understanding with experience managing large organisational structures. His responsibilities will include further developing the Neuburg operation and creating the conditions necessary to achieve tangible progress in the development of the manufacturer’s Formula 1 power unit.
Mattia Binotto explains why Audi recruited Thomas Fuhr
Audi Formula 1 project leader Mattia Binotto welcomed the appointment and highlighted the work already completed at the manufacturer’s engine development facility. The former Ferrari team principal believes Thomas Fuhr’s combination of technical knowledge and organisational leadership will be valuable as Audi seeks to establish itself among Formula 1’s leading manufacturers.
“We have built solid foundations in Neuburg and developed Audi’s first F1 power unit from scratch,” Mattia Binotto explained.
Mattia Binotto added that Thomas Fuhr understands both the technical challenges involved and the requirements of building efficient teams. He expressed confidence that the new executive would play an important role in strengthening Audi’s organisation and supporting its long-term Formula 1 ambitions.
“I am confident that he will play a key role in developing the team and its organisation to make us the best Formula 1 manufacturer,” Mattia Binotto continued.
Thomas Fuhr outlines ambitions for Audi’s Formula 1 engine programme
Thomas Fuhr also expressed his enthusiasm about joining Audi at an important stage in its Formula 1 project. The German manufacturer’s decision to develop its own power unit has required the creation of a dedicated technical and operational structure, and the new CEO intends to build on the work already completed at Neuburg.
“I am proud to join Audi’s Formula 1 project. The opportunity to help shape Audi’s future in this sport is what makes this role so exciting,” Thomas Fuhr said.
He emphasised that the team had already achieved an important milestone by developing an entirely new engine and getting it onto the track. His next objective will be to bring together expertise across the organisation and create the conditions needed for Audi to compete at the highest level.
“The team in Neuburg has developed and brought to the track a completely new engine. I want to build on this work by bringing together expertise across the entire organisation and creating the conditions to compete at the highest level,” Thomas Fuhr explained.
Audi restores CEO position after Adam Baker’s departure
Thomas Fuhr’s arrival also fills a gap in the leadership of Audi’s engine division. The manufacturer abolished the CEO position at the beginning of 2025 following the departure of Adam Baker, leaving the organisation without a dedicated chief executive at its highest level.
With Thomas Fuhr taking up the role, Audi Formula Racing GmbH once again has its own CEO. The distinction between technical development and operational management remains clearly defined, with Stefan Dreyer focusing on the power unit and Christian Foyer retaining responsibility for the facility’s daily operations.
The restructuring is intended to strengthen both areas as Audi continues developing its Formula 1 programme. By combining Thomas Fuhr’s management experience with the existing technical leadership at Neuburg, the manufacturer aims to establish the organisational foundations required to make further progress in the championship.
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