The principal of Red Bull has disclosed the protracted struggle to acquire the top technical player.
In a major shakeup within Formula 1, Andy Cowell, the former director of Mercedes High Performance Powertrains (HPP), is set to join Aston Martin as Group CEO in October. This move comes as Aston Martin prepares to transition to Honda power units for the 2026 regulations, which will feature advanced electrical systems and the elimination of the MGU-K.
Cowell, who left Mercedes HPP in 2020 after spearheading their turbo-hybrid era success, has kept a low profile since his departure. However, Red Bull’s Christian Horner recently disclosed that Cowell was highly sought after by all major power unit manufacturers, including Ferrari, Audi, Renault, Mercedes, and Honda.
“Andy is a great guy, a very strong engineer who did a wonderful job at HPP. He was the main backbone behind that project,” Horner remarked. “Every single engine manufacturer spoke with him during his time out from F1.”
Cowell’s appointment at Aston Martin was announced prior to the British Grand Prix. Team principal Mike Krack credited executive chairman Lawrence Stroll for convincing Cowell to join. “Lawrence is the most convincing person in the paddock,” Krack said. “The factory and wind tunnel are state-of-the-art, and Andy has a high opinion of Honda. There are a lot of elements that promise a good future as Group CEO.”
Krack expressed confidence in Cowell’s ability to identify and address any weaknesses in Aston Martin’s current setup. “Wherever he has been, there has been success,” Krack noted. “He has a very good capability of managing people, infrastructures, and budgets. I have only heard positives from those who have worked with him, and that is why I am quite positive about how we are going to work together.”
Cowell’s new role at Aston Martin, though not engine-related, marks a significant shift in the team’s leadership as they gear up for the upcoming changes in Formula 1. Fans and insiders alike are eager to see how his expertise will influence Aston Martin’s performance in the years to come.
