Andy Cowell, former Managing Director of Mercedes AMG High Performing Powertrains is appointed as the new Group CEO for Aston Martin Aramco Formula 1 Team. The Briton will replace fellow countryman Martin Whitmarsh from October 1st onwards, reporting to Executive Chairman and team owner Lawrence Stroll.
Cowell started his motorsports career at Cosworth, before moving to BMW Motorsports in 2000. In 2004 he left Munich for Brixworth to join Mercedes-Ilmor. From there he became Engineering Director at Mercedes-Benz HPE in 2008, before joining Mercedes AMG HPP in 2013 as Managing Director, being directly responsible for the success of the hybrid engines that won eight successive World Constructors’ Championships.
With Honda joining in 2026, part of Cowell’s job will be to secure a proper partnership with the Japanese engine manufacturer and help the team in their ambition to challenge for the title. An ambition that is underlined by owner Lawrence Stroll.
“I am delighted to welcome Andy to our team at a crucial time,” the Canadian billionaire said. “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.”
Cowell himself is also thrilled to start this new challenge.
“I am thrilled to join Lawrence’s exciting project and look forward to working with the talented group of people that has been assembled. 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.”
Outgoing CEO Martin Whitmarsh was thanked by Stroll for his contributions to the team, especially the setup of the AMR Technology Campus.
“I would like to thank Martin who has been instrumental in our growth phase as a business. 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.”
The former McLaren teamboss is convinced he leaves the team in the right hands with Cowell, having collaborated with him before at McLaren.
“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.”
Furthermore, Pit Debrief understands Ferrari technical director Enrico Cardile has signed a contract with Aston Martin to join the team. Loïc Serra is expected to take that role.
The aerodynamicist started his career at Maranello in their sports car department, with his cars winning the 24 hours of Daytona, Le Mans and several WEC world titles. He joined the Formula 1 team in 2016, eventually becoming the head of the Chassis area, as well as the Technical Director Chassis and Aerodynamics.
