Thomas Fuhr will become CEO of Audi Formula Racing GmbH on November 1, adding an experienced engineering executive with a Mercedes Formula 1 background to the leadership team in Neuburg an der Donau. The Audi subsidiary develops and manufactures the power unit for the brand’s Formula 1 program.
The appointment gives Neuburg a dedicated CEO while allowing Chief Technology Officer Stefan Dreyer to focus fully on technical development of the Audi F1 power unit. Christian Foyer will continue as Chief Operating Officer, overseeing operations at the German site.
FROM MERCEDES POWERTRAINS TO AUDI
Fuhr brings more than three decades of international engineering and leadership experience. He served as Managing Director of Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains from 2009 to 2012 before holding senior executive positions at GROHE and LIXIL. Most recently, he was Chief Technology Officer of Georg Fischer Building Flow Solutions.
His background spans research and development, production and the management of international engineering and manufacturing organizations. At Audi Formula Racing, his brief is to develop the organization supporting the company’s technical ambitions.
“We have built strong foundations in Neuburg, developing Audi’s first Formula 1 power unit from the ground up,” said Mattia Binotto, CEO and Team Principal of the Audi Revolut F1 Team. Binotto said Fuhr’s understanding of both the technical challenge and team leadership would help advance the operation.
DEDICATED ROLE IN NEUBURG
Fuhr’s appointment concerns Audi Formula Racing, the Neuburg-based drivetrain organization. Binotto continues as CEO and Team Principal of the Audi Revolut F1 Team.
Founded in 2022, Audi Formula Racing is responsible for developing and manufacturing the complete drivetrain, including the hybrid drive system and gearbox. Its facilities occupy the Audi Neuburg site, previously home to programs including DTM, Le Mans, Dakar and Formula E.
Audi has modernized and expanded the location for Formula 1, adding a roughly 3,000-square-meter building with specialized workshops and laboratories. The operation has more than 20 engine and component test benches.
“The team in Neuburg has developed an entirely new power unit and brought it to the track,” Fuhr said. He plans to build on that work by bringing together expertise across the organization and preparing the team to compete at the highest level.
For Audi, the appointment adds organizational leadership around the technical program as its Formula 1 investment continues. Audi CFO Jürgen Rittersberger, who also chairs the shareholders’ meeting of Audi Formula Racing, described the project as a long-term strategic commitment and the leadership change as a further strengthening of its structure.
