Audi is reshaping the leadership structure behind its Formula 1 power unit, bringing in an experienced industry heavyweight as it looks to strengthen the organisation responsible for its ambitious engine project.

The German manufacturer has appointed Thomas Fuhr as CEO of Audi Formula Racing GmbH, the division based in Neuburg that develops the power unit powering its new F1 venture.

The move adds a dedicated executive leader to the operation, allowing technical chief Stefan Dreyer to concentrate entirely on engineering development.

For Audi, which has entered Formula 1 as a works manufacturer in 2026, the appointment signals that building a competitive engine operation requires more than technical ingenuity alone.

Fuhr brings Mercedes powertrain experience

Fuhr arrives with more than three decades of experience across engineering, manufacturing and corporate leadership.

Most notably for Audi's F1 ambitions, he served as managing director of Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains between 2009 and 2012, giving him direct experience of the demands of a competitive Formula 1 engine programme.

His subsequent career included senior roles at GROHE and LIXIL, followed by a position as chief technology officer at Georg Fischer Building Flow Solutions, where he led international engineering and manufacturing organisations.

Audi is hoping that blend of technical understanding and management expertise will help turn its fledgling power unit operation into a serious contender.

Mattia Binotto, Audi's F1 CEO and team principal, believes the foundations have already been laid in Neuburg, with the next challenge being to build the organisation around them.

"We have built strong foundations in Neuburg, developing Audi’s first Formula 1 power unit from the ground up," Binotto said.

"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 organisation to make us the best F1 manufacturer. I am very much looking forward to welcoming him to the team."

A clearer division of responsibilities

Fuhr's appointment is designed to strengthen the management structure without disrupting the existing technical leadership.

Dreyer will be able to focus fully on the power unit's development, while chief operating officer Christian Foyer retains responsibility for Neuburg's daily operations.

The CEO position had been vacant since Adam Baker left the organisation at the beginning of 2025. Its reinstatement gives the engine division a dedicated figure to oversee its broader development as Audi works to establish itself among Formula 1's established manufacturers.

Fuhr, meanwhile, sees the opportunity as a chance to help shape the marque's long-term future in the sport.

"I am proud to join Audi’s Formula 1 project,” he said. “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."

The appointment will not deliver extra horsepower overnight, but Audi is making clear that its ambitions extend beyond simply getting its first power unit onto the grid.

The next task is to build the people, processes and leadership capable of turning that initial achievement into sustained competitiveness.