Audi Appoints Thomas Fuhr As CEO Of Formula Racing Division

Audi has appointed Thomas Fuhr as CEO of Audi Formula Racing GmbH, the division responsible for developing and manufacturing the power unit for its Formula 1 programme. Fuhr will assume the role on November 1, 2026, at the company’s facility in Neuburg an der Donau, Germany.

Fuhr’s appointment will separate organisational leadership from the technical development responsibilities currently handled by Stefan Dreyer, chief technology officer (CTO). Dreyer will focus on the development of Audi’s F1 power unit, while Christian Foyer will continue overseeing operations at the Neuburg facility as chief operating officer (COO).

Fuhr Brings Experience In High-Performance Powertrains

Fuhr has more than three decades of international engineering and leadership experience. Between 2009 and 2012, he served as managing director of Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains. He subsequently held senior executive positions at GROHE and LIXIL before serving as chief technology officer of Georg Fischer Building Flow Solutions.

His experience spans research and development, manufacturing, operational performance and technology management across international engineering organisations.

Jürgen Rittersberger, CFO of AUDI AG and chairman of the shareholders’ meeting of Audi Formula Racing GmbH, said the appointment was part of the company’s efforts to develop its organisational structure and leadership as its F1 programme progresses.

Mattia Binotto, CEO and team principal of the Audi Revolut F1 Team, said Fuhr’s experience in engineering and team management would support the development of the Neuburg organisation.

Fuhr said he would focus on bringing together expertise across the organisation and building on the work already completed by the team in developing Audi’s power unit.

Audi Develops F1 Power Unit In Neuburg

Audi Formula Racing GmbH was established in 2022 specifically for the manufacturer’s F1 programme. The company is responsible for developing and manufacturing the complete drivetrain, including the hybrid drive system and gearbox.

The Neuburg facility houses more than 20 engine and component test benches. Infrastructure upgrades for the F1 programme include an expanded test facility, specialised workshops and laboratories in a new building covering around 3,000 square metres.

Audi’s wider F1 programme operates across three locations. Power unit development takes place in Neuburg, Germany; the Audi Revolut F1 Team is based in Hinwil, Switzerland, where race car development and race operations are managed; and the UK Technology Centre in Bicester provides access to engineering talent and strategic partners.

Audi began competing in Formula 1 with its own factory team in 2026, using a hybrid power unit developed in Germany.