Mercedes' Cowell departs helm of Brixworth HPP unit!

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Mercedes-AMG F1 has announced that engine guru Andy Cowell, the managing director of the manufacturer's High Performance Powertrains unit, will leave his position on July 1.

Cowell informed Mercedes of his decision to relinquish his role back in January of this year, giving the team ample time to overhaul its HPP management structure in Brixworth.

"This new leadership team will be comprised of: Hywel Thomas, who will be appointed Managing Director with direct responsibility for the F1 Power Unit; Adam Allsopp, Project One Powertrain Director and reporting directly to Markus Schäfer on Project One; Operations Director Richard Stevens; and Finance and IT Director, Ronald Ballhaus," said Mercedes in a statement released on Monday.

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During the transition period, Andy Cowell will continue to work alongside Hywel Thomas and will consult to Mercedes-Benz AG on a major future project until at least early 2021.

"After 16 enjoyable years working for HPP, I have decided that now is the right time to move on from my role and seek a new engineering business challenge," said Cowell, whose engineering expertise has helped deliver a crucial edge to the championship winning Silver Arrows squad since the advent of the hybrid era in F1 in 2014.

"I have appreciated the opportunity to work with Markus and Toto in defining the future leadership structure of the company and I have every confidence in the ability of Hywel and the team to lead the company forward.

"It has been an absolute honour to work for Mercedes and especially to be Managing Director of HPP for seven years.

"Thank you to everyone who has provided me with such amazing opportunities and enjoyable challenges, especially Ola Källenius who had the courage to support me back in 2006."

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff added:

"Andy's leadership of the team at HPP has been a key factor in our championship success in recent seasons," praised the Austrian.

"He has made an outstanding contribution to our motorsport legacy and I have valued and enjoyed our working relationship since 2013; I am sure he will enjoy great success in the next challenge he decides to take on.

"Our philosophy has always been that a winning team is a dynamic organisation, and that change is a natural part of every company's development. I am particularly pleased that we have been able to work together to create a new leadership structure, by building on the strength in depth of the team in Brixworth.

"It puts us in a very strong position for the years ahead, as we aim to set new benchmarks in Formula One and Formula E."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.