Source: Official Team Post via X
Former Mercedes Powertrain Chief Joins Audi's F1 Ambitions
Thomas Fuhr, a former Mercedes powertrain leader, is stepping into a new role at Audi to guide its Formula 1 powertrain operations. His appointment aims to fortify Audi's leadership as it gears up for its F1 entry.
Audi has taken a significant step in bolstering its Formula 1 aspirations by appointing Thomas Fuhr as the CEO of Audi Formula Racing GmbH. Fuhr, who previously helmed Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains, will officially start on November 1, 2026. This strategic move seeks to enhance Audi's organisational structure as it prepares to join the F1 grid.
Fuhr will be based in Neuburg, Germany, where Audi Formula Racing is tasked with developing the complete drivetrain for its F1 entry, covering the hybrid drive system and gearbox. His role is to solidify the organisation's leadership, allowing the technical team to focus entirely on powertrain development. Stefan Dreyer, the Chief Technology Officer, will continue to lead the technical development of Audi's F1 power unit, while Christian Foyer will manage the day-to-day operations at Neuburg.
Fuhr’s extensive background includes a stint as managing director at Mercedes-AMG HPP from 2009 to 2012, where he worked alongside Andy Cowell. After leaving Mercedes, Fuhr explored leadership roles outside of motorsport, including positions at Grohe and Lixil, before his recent role as CTO at Georg Fischer Building Flow Solutions. Audi aims to leverage this blend of motorsport and industrial leadership to underpin its F1 project.
Jurgen Rittersberger, Audi AG's CFO, underscored the strategic importance of Fuhr’s appointment, viewing it as a long-term commitment to strengthening Audi’s F1 endeavours. Rittersberger expressed confidence that Fuhr's leadership would significantly contribute to the programme's ongoing development.
Mattia Binotto, CEO and team principal of the Audi Revolut F1 Team, highlighted the progress made at Neuburg in crafting Audi's inaugural F1 power unit. He sees Fuhr’s expertise in both technical and team-building domains as vital assets. Fuhr himself expressed enthusiasm about shaping Audi's future in F1, emphasizing the importance of unifying expertise across the organisation to compete at the highest level.
Audi Formula Racing GmbH, formed in 2022, is strategically located in Neuburg, near Audi's Ingolstadt headquarters. This site, which has been operational since 2014, has played a pivotal role in Audi's motorsport history, from DTM to Formula E. For the F1 project, Audi has expanded its infrastructure, adding a 3,000 square metre facility for specialised workshops and laboratories, and upgrading its testing capabilities. The Neuburg site boasts over 20 engine and component test benches and holds the FIA’s three-star environmental certification, marking it as the sole F1 operational site in Germany.
With Fuhr's leadership, Audi is poised to advance its F1 ambitions, creating a robust framework for its powertrain programme and setting the stage for competitive performance on the global motorsport stage.