With more than three decades of engineering and leadership experience, Thomas Fuhr will lead Audi Formula Racing GmbH from November 1, 2026, as the German manufacturer continues to develop its Formula 1 power-unit programme.
Audi is strengthening the leadership structure behind its Formula 1 ambitions with the appointment of Thomas Fuhr as Chief Executive Officer of Audi Formula Racing GmbH, effective November 1, 2026. Based in Neuburg an der Donau, Germany, Audi Formula Racing is responsible for developing and manufacturing the power unit for Audi’s Formula 1 project.
The appointment brings an experienced engineering and manufacturing leader into a role that combines organisational leadership with the demands of a highly complex motorsport programme. Formula 1 power-unit development requires close coordination across engineering, testing, manufacturing, operational planning and performance development. Establishing a clear leadership structure is therefore an important part of preparing the organisation for sustained competition.
Thomas Fuhr Brings More Than Three Decades of Experience
Fuhr brings over 30 years of international experience in engineering and leadership. 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 most recently serving as Chief Technology Officer of Georg Fischer Building Flow Solutions.
His experience spans engineering, research and development, production, operational performance and the leadership of complex international organisations. These capabilities are relevant to Audi Formula Racing as it continues building the technical and organisational foundations required for its Formula 1 programme.
While motorsport presents unique performance demands, the underlying management challenge extends beyond the racetrack: bringing specialised teams together, maintaining execution discipline and aligning technical development with broader organisational objectives.
A Clearer Division Between Technical Development and Business Leadership
Fuhr’s appointment also brings a clearer division of responsibilities within Audi Formula Racing’s management structure.
Stefan Dreyer will continue as Chief Technology Officer, focusing on the technical development of Audi’s Formula 1 power unit. Christian Foyer will continue overseeing operations at the Neuburg site as Chief Operating Officer.
This structure allows technical leadership to concentrate on engineering development while the CEO focuses on the wider organisation and its continued development. In a programme where technical innovation and operational coordination are closely connected, clearly defined responsibilities can help teams work towards shared objectives.
Why the Appointment Matters for Audi’s Formula 1 Programme
Formula 1 is an environment in which engineering performance, reliability, manufacturing precision and operational execution must work together. A competitive power unit is not developed through engineering capability alone; it also depends on the organisation’s ability to coordinate expertise, manage complex processes and sustain development over time.
For Audi, strengthening leadership at its power-unit operation is part of establishing the structure needed to support its ambitions in the sport. Fuhr’s background across high-performance engineering and international manufacturing leadership gives him experience relevant to these organisational demands.
The appointment does not, by itself, determine future sporting results. However, it represents a defined step in Audi’s efforts to strengthen the team responsible for developing its Formula 1 power unit.
Looking Ahead
As Thomas Fuhr takes charge on November 1, 2026, his role will be to further develop the organisation and support the technical ambitions of Audi Formula Racing. The focus will be on building on the work already undertaken in Neuburg, supporting collaboration across the organisation and creating the conditions for sustained technical progress.
For Audi, the appointment highlights the importance of leadership and organisational capability alongside engineering innovation in its Formula 1 journey.
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