Andy Cowell joins Aston Martin, replacing Martin Whitmarsh as group CEO
In a significant move for Formula One, former Mercedes engine boss Andy Cowell has joined Aston Martin as group chief executive, succeeding Martin Whitmarsh. The team confirmed the appointment on Tuesday.
Cowell is set to assume his new role on October 1, reporting directly to the team's co-owner and executive chairman, Lawrence Stroll. Whitmarsh will hand over responsibilities before the end of the year.
During his tenure as the managing director of Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains, Cowell was instrumental in the team's unprecedented dominance. Under his leadership, Mercedes secured eight consecutive constructors' championships, and he played a pivotal role in the success of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. Cowell stepped down from his position in July 2020 and shifted to a consulting role.
Starting in 2026, Aston Martin will transition from Mercedes engines to Honda power units. This shift comes as the sport prepares to enter a new era with revised engine and aerodynamic regulations.
"F1 has always been my competitive passion, and I am joining Aston Martin Aramco at an exciting time with the imminent completion of the AMR Technology Campus and our transition in 2026 to a full works team with our strategic partners Honda and Aramco," Cowell said in a statement.
Lawrence Stroll, whose son Lance drives for Aston Martin alongside double world champion Fernando Alonso, emphasized the significance of Cowell's appointment. "Together with our works partnership with Honda, the commitment from our title partner Aramco and Andy's leadership we are on track to become a world championship-winning team," he added. "Andy has my full backing and will have every resource available to win."
Whitmarsh praised Cowell as "an incredible asset" and noted that he would be stepping away to concentrate on other projects. Under Cowell's leadership, Aston Martin aims to become a major contender in the F1 championship race, leveraging the synergies with strategic partners Honda and Aramco.
As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on Aston Martin to see how Andy Cowell's expertise and leadership will shape the future of the team.
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