As Formula 1 approaches the 2026 season finale, Audi F1 Team made a significant restructuring and appointed experienced automotive executive Thomas Fuhr as the new CEO of its F1 power unit division.
Audi currently sits eighth in the Constructors’ Championship as it prepares to conclude its debut Formula 1 season.
A significant step forward in leadership structure
Starting on November 1, Thomas Fuhr will take over as CEO of Audi Formula Racing GmbH.
Previously served as Managing Director of Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains between 2009 and 2012, Fuhr will bring more than 30 years of engineering and leadership experience to the team.
Subsequently, Fuhr held senior executive positions within GROHE and LIXIL. His most recent position was Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Georg Fischer Building Flow Solutions, where he led complex international engineering and manufacturing organizations, managing areas such as research and development, production, operational performance, and technological innovation.
His appointment at Audi will allow Chief Technology Officer Stefan Dreyer, who previously shared management responsibilities, to focus entirely on the technical development of Audi’s power unit. Moreover, Chief Operating Officer Christian Foyer will proceed to supervise the daily operations at the Neuburg facility.
Therefore, the German manufacturer’s new addition to the management of its Neuburg-based power unit department signifies great importance for the team’s future leadership and structure coordination strength.
Excitement among the Audi F1 Team for incoming CEO, Thomas Fuhr
Fuhr expressed pride in joining Audi’s F1 project and praised the Neuburg team’s efforts in developing a completely new unit. He looks forward to working with Mattia Binotto, Christian Foyer, Stefan Dreyer and the rest of the team.
“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.
“I look forward to working with Mattia, Christian, Stefan and the entire team.”
Speaking about the appointment, Audi F1 Team Principal Mattia Binotto expressed confidence in Fuhr and what they will accomplish together as a team.
“We have built strong foundations in Neuburg, developing Audi’s first Formula 1 power unit from the ground up. 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 organization to make us the best F1 manufacturer. I am very much looking forward to welcoming him to the team.”
Jürgen Rittersberger, CFO of AUDI AG, welcomed Fuhr’s appointment, emphasizing that he will play an important role in Audi’s future development.
“Audi’s Formula 1 project is a long-term strategic commitment and the continued development of our organization and leadership is fundamental to our ambitions. This appointment further strengthens the structure we have established at Audi Formula Racing. I am very pleased to welcome Thomas to the team and am confident he will make an important contribution to the continued development of our Formula 1 program.”
