Stefan, how did your journey into Formula 1® begin and where are you today?

"I started as a vehicle technician in 2011 as an intern at Audi Sport. That turned into ten years as an engine engineer, with assignments in racing series such as DTM, WEC, and the Dakar Rally. That’s where I gained a lot of experience with electric drivetrains. With the move into Formula 1® , I switched from the internal combustion engine to the electric motor. Today, I coordinate a very broad test field covering the MGU, battery, electronics, and software - everything related to the energy recovery system (ERS)."

What does your day-to-day look like and what makes it special?

"My daily work is defined by variety. I coordinate the interaction between the different disciplines within the ERS department: development, workshop, and test bench. It’s about turning ideas into hardware, testing them, and continuously improving them. I work with a wide range of specialists from hardware manufacturing to highly precise electronics development. Everyone has their own requirements and timelines. Orchestrating all of that is what makes it exciting, together with the incredible speed at which everything evolves."

You’ve experienced many racing series. What fascinates you most about Formula 1®?

"The interaction between people and technology. The precision with which drivers operate at these speeds is impressive. And above all, the constant drive to improve. There is no such thing as “good enough.” As soon as you reach a limit, it gets pushed again. That mindset is unique."

You can really feel your passion. Do you ever miss working at the track?

"Of course. As a child, I built soapbox cars, and during my studies I drove rallies myself with my Golf GTI. With Audi Sport, I spent ten years regularly at the track. That’s not something you easily let go of. But my role now is a different one and no less fascinating. Around half of the system’s performance comes from the ERS. But we also provide everything in the car that is electrical. For example, the internal combustion engine is started via the MGU. The radio, the cameras, the pumps everything requires electrical energy, and that’s what we deliver. Of course, an electric motor alone wouldn’t drive the car either. It’s the interaction that has to work: All for One."