The former head of Mercedes AMG HPP, Andy Cowell, is to join Aston Martin Aramco’s F1 team as CEO, effective October 1, taking over from current CEO Martin Whitmarsh. Cowell was one of the architects of Mercedes’s impressive run of F1 championships from 2014.
Whitmarsh said, “I have known Andy for many years and brought him to Mercedes HPP in 2004 where he became managing director between 2013 and 2020, achieving huge success in the business and sport. He will be an incredible asset to Aston Martin Aramco and will make a significant contribution to the execution of our strategy going forward.
“Andy’s arrival in October and the completion of the AMR Technology Campus will allow me to step away and focus on other projects in my life, knowing that the foundations have been established with an impressive team, inspiring vision and advanced facilities to achieve success in F1.”
Since its Force India days, the Aston Martin team has expanded rapidly, with the aim of fighting for overall race and championship wins. However, it has fallen back down the midfield this year, and 2026 will see it become the works Honda team, where doubtless Cowell’s powertrain expertise and understanding of the complexities of having power unit and chassis teams working in close harmony, will come to the fore.
Team owner and chairman Lawrence Stroll said, “I am delighted to welcome Andy to our team at a crucial time. 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. Andy has my full backing and will have every resource available to win.”
