Former Mercedes Formula 1 Engine Chief Andy Cowell Takes the Reins as Aston Martin’s Group CEO
In a major development, Aston Martin has announced that Andy Cowell, the former engine chief of Mercedes, will assume the role of Group CEO starting October 1, replacing Martin Whitmarsh. This marks Cowell’s first Formula 1 management role since his departure from Mercedes in 2020.
Cowell is renowned for his instrumental role in overseeing Mercedes’ High Performance Powertrains division, which powered the Silver Arrows squad to seven consecutive title doubles between 2013 and 2020. His leadership also contributed to the team’s constructors’ championship win in 2021, shortly after his transition to a consultant role at Mercedes.
“I am thrilled to join Lawrence’s exciting project and look forward to working with the talented group of people that has been assembled,” Cowell said in an Aston statement. “F1 has always been my competitive passion, and I am joining Aston Martin 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, who joined Aston Martin Performance Technologies in late 2021, will hand over responsibility before the end of the year. During his tenure, he was tasked with diversifying the British sportscar manufacturer’s F1 and road car technology across key industry sectors.
“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 and will make a significant contribution to the execution of our strategy going forward.”
Lawrence Stroll, Aston Martin’s chairman, expressed his gratitude to Whitmarsh for his contributions to the team’s growth phase.
“I am delighted to welcome Andy to our team at a crucial time. Together with our works partnership with Honda [from 2026], 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’s arrival at Aston Martin comes at a critical juncture, as the team struggles to make progress in the Formula 1 calendar. The team failed to replicate its impressive off-season gains of 2022-2023 this year and has since dropped out of the leading group of teams. With Cowell at the helm, Aston Martin aims to revitalize its Formula 1 ambitions and ultimately become a world championship-winning team.
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