Audi hires former Mercedes engine boss Thomas Fuhr to lead its F1 powertrain operation

Audi has appointed former Mercedes engine chief Thomas Fuhr to run the operation that builds its Formula 1 power units, the latest leadership change in the German manufacturer's first season as a works team. Fuhr becomes chief executive of Audi Formula Racing GmbH, based in Neuburg, Germany, from 1 November 2026, the day of the Mexico City Grand Prix.

Who is Thomas Fuhr?

Fuhr was managing director of Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains (HPP), the Brixworth-based Mercedes engine division, from 2009 to 2012. Andy Cowell worked under him as an engineering director and later led HPP's hybrid programme, which produced the engines behind Mercedes' long run of titles from 2014.

After leaving Mercedes, Fuhr worked outside motorsport in senior executive roles at bathroom and building products firms Grohe and Lixil. Most recently he was chief technology officer of Georg Fischer Building Flow Solutions. Audi describes him as having more than three decades of international engineering and executive experience.

What the job involves

Audi Formula Racing develops and manufactures the full drivetrain for the Audi F1 car, including the hybrid system and gearbox. Fuhr's job is to lead the wider organisation and strengthen its leadership structure.

The role has been vacant since Adam Baker left in May 2025. Two other senior figures stay in place: Stefan Dreyer, currently chief technology officer, will focus on the technical development of the power unit, while Christian Foyer remains chief operating officer in charge of operations at Neuburg.

Audi's chief financial officer Jürgen Rittersberger, who chairs the shareholders' meeting of the powertrain company, described the F1 project as a long-term strategic commitment. Team principal Mattia Binotto said the team had built strong foundations in Neuburg, where Audi's first F1 power unit was developed from scratch.

Where Audi stand in 2026

Audi took over the former Sauber team for 2026, the first year of the new engine regulations, and has found the going hard on track. After 18 rounds, the team is eighth in the constructors' championship on 23 points. Nico Hülkenberg has scored 13 of those and Gabriel Bortoleto 10. Hülkenberg finished just outside the points in 11th at last weekend's United States Grand Prix.

The appointment adds experience from the most successful engine programme of the hybrid era at a time when manufacturers are shaping their 2027 power units. It also follows a series of management reshuffles at the project since it was announced.

The bigger picture

Engine performance has been the dividing line in 2026. Mercedes-powered cars have dominated, with Mercedes winning 12 of the 18 races so far, while manufacturers such as Honda are using the FIA's catch-up upgrade system to close the gap next year. Audi will hope Fuhr's arrival helps it climb towards the front over the remaining years of this rules cycle.

Key takeaways

• Thomas Fuhr becomes CEO of Audi Formula Racing GmbH on 1 November 2026.
• He ran Mercedes' HPP engine division from 2009 to 2012, before its hybrid-era success.
• Stefan Dreyer stays as technical lead on the power unit and Christian Foyer remains COO.
• Audi are eighth in the 2026 constructors' standings with 23 points.

FAQ

Q: What role has Thomas Fuhr taken at Audi?

He is chief executive of Audi Formula Racing GmbH, the Neuburg company that builds Audi's F1 power unit, hybrid system and gearbox.

Q: When does Fuhr start?

He starts on 1 November 2026.

Q: Who are Audi's F1 drivers in 2026?

Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto race for the Audi team, which is led by Mattia Binotto.

Sources: PlanetF1, Crash.net, RacingNews365