Horner: ‘Every single F1 engine manufacturer’ pursued Cowell

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Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has revealed that every F1 power unit manufacturer sought to secure the services of Andy Cowell before his appointment as Aston Martin's Group CEO.

Cowell, the mastermind behind Mercedes' dominant hybrid era as head of Mercedes High Performance Powertrains (HPP), is set to join Aston Martin in October.

His arrival will coincide with the team's progressive transition to Honda power units for the 2026 season, which will feature significantly enhanced electrical systems and a mandatory switch to sustainable fuels.

Cowell stepped down from his leadership role at Mercedes HPP in the middle of the 2020 F1 season after seven years at the helm of the German manufacturer’s power unit department in Brixworth.

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Horner acknowledged Cowell's immense contribution to Mercedes' success during F1’s hybrid era and confirmed the intense interest in securing his services that has arose from multiple top teams eager to leverage the Briton’s expertise for their own competitive advantage.

"Andy is a great guy, he's a very strong engineer and he did a wonderful job at HPP, he was the main backbone behind that project," Horner told the media, quoted by RacingNews365.

"He elected to leave Mercedes and spend some time outside of Formula 1 and of course I think every single engine manufacturer spoke with him during that period.

"But after he decided he wanted to take time out, we made alternative plans we're happy with, but he has taken on a role that is not engine-related within Aston Martin."

Aston Martin scored major coup ahead of the British Grand Prix by recruiting Cowell and appointing the 55-year-old engineer as its Group CEO.

Aston team principal Mike Krack revealed that executive chairman Lawrence Stroll played a pivotal role in persuading Cowell to join the team.

"Lawrence is the most convincing [person] of anyone in the paddock," Krack explained. "He is very strong in it, but it is not only words.

"If you look [at the factory], it is very impressive what is happening there, the factory and wind tunnel is state-of-the-art and Andy has a high opinion of Honda.

"There are a lot of elements in the mix that can promise a good future as Group CEO."

Krack also highlighted Cowell’s proven track record, underscoring his leadership abilities, financial management skills, and positive reputation among colleagues.

"When you look back, wherever he has been, there has been success," said Team Silverstone’s boss.

"So there must have been a very good capability of managing people, infrastructures and managing budgets.

"I have only heard positives from whoever has worked with him, and that is why I am quite positive about how we are going to work together."

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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.