Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner admitted that he approached new Aston Martin CEO Andy Cowell before his Silverstone appointment in an attempt to lure him to the Milton Keynes-based Formula 1 outfit’s new powertrains division.
Cowell performed admirably as Managing Director at Mercedes AMG HPP from 2013 through 2020, overseeing the marque’s dominant title run in F1.
Under Cowell’s stewardship, Mercedes produced V6 Hybrid power units that helped secure seven championship doubles in succession during his tenure.
The ex-Mercedes man stepped back from F1 in 2020 and it should come as no surprise that Horner elected to tempt Cowell to Red Bull Powertrains, given his accomplished CV.
“Andy is a great guy,” said Horner.
“He’s a very strong engineer. He did a wonderful job at [Mercedes AMG HPP], he was the main backbone behind that project.
“He elected to leave Mercedes and spend some time outside of Formula 1, and of course, I think every single engine manufacturer spoke to him during that period.
“After he decided he wanted to take time out, we made alternative plans.
“We’re very happy with those plans, but he’s taken on a role that is not engine-related within Aston Martin.”
Horner appears satisfied that Cowell isn’t directly involved with engine-related matters at a rival team, but his succeeding Martin Whitmarsh as CEO at Aston Martin this coming October will no doubt ease the Silverstone-based squad’s transition into a fully-fledged works outfit in 2026 when it partners with power unit manufacturer Honda.
Upon his appointment, Cowell said, “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.”
Fernando Alonso said Cowell’s appointment “Is exciting, I mean Aston Martin is a very exciting project. We are aware of our results on the weekends that are not good enough.
“We are still very appealing for talent as we see with Andy and some of the names that are linked to the team.”
Red Bull, meanwhile, continues its development of an all-new F1 power unit as per the 2026 regulations.
The Powertrains division of the reigning F1 champions announced Ford as a partner in 2023 to provide financial support and technical know-how around battery and associated electrical components.
