Audi make significant senior appointment as debut F1 season nears end

Audi Formula Racing has announced the appointment of Thomas Fuhr as its new CEO.

The German will take charge of the Neuburg-based company on November 1, and oversee Audi's entire F1 project.

The appointment comes as Audi winds down its debut season in the sport, one that sees it currently sit eighth in the constructors' championship.

Fuhr brings more than three decades of international engineering and leadership experience to the role.

The team has detailed that Fuhr's appointment allows Stefan Dreyer, Audi Formula Racing's Chief Technology Officer, to focus solely on leading the technical development of the Audi F1 power unit.

Christian Foyer, the company's Chief Operating Officer, will continue to oversee day-to-day operations at the Neuburg site.

Fuhr's background includes a stint as Managing Director of Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains between 2009 and 2012.

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

“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.”