Aston F1 names ex-Mercedes engine man Andy Cowell as CEO

©AstonMartin

Aston Martin has scored a major coup in their quest for F1 glory by signing Andy Cowell, the mastermind behind Mercedes' dominant engine era in the sport, as their new Group CEO.

Cowell was the heart and soul of Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains, the division in Brixworth responsible for the manufacturer’s all-conquering hybrid engines that powered the team to a record-breaking eight championships.

Under Cowell's leadership, Mercedes kept the competition firmly in the rearview mirror. Nevertheless, the British engineer left the Brackley squad at the end of 2021.

Cowell will officially take the reins at Aston Martin F1 from current CEO Martin Whitmarsh on October 1.

“I would like to thank Martin who has been instrumental in our growth phase as a business,” commented Aston Martin F1 executive chairman Lawrence Stroll.

“In the last three years, he has developed the team and has helped us achieve some significant milestones, including fostering our relationship with Honda and delivering our state-of-the-art AMR Technology Campus at Silverstone.

Read also: Aston Martin confirm contract extension for Stroll

“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.”

“I am thrilled to join Lawrence’s exciting project and look forward to working with the talented group of people that has been assembled,” added Cowell.

“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.”

Whitmarsh will transition from his role by the end of 2024, the Silverstone based outfit has stated.

“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,” said Whitmarsh.

“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.”

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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.