Andy Cowell is reportedly close to being dismissed from his role at Aston Martin, with Christian Horner expected to take over. According to BBC Sport, Cowell is set to lose his position as CEO and team principal following a conflict with Aston Martin’s technical partner, Adrian Newey.
Cowell, who previously worked as a Mercedes engine specialist, has been in charge for just over a year, having replaced Mike Clack in a company restructure. Horner, formerly the head of the Red Bull team, is reportedly eager to assume a leadership role and acquire shares in the Aston Martin F1 team.
However, Horner is not the only contender. Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll has also been in talks with former McLaren manager Andreas Seidl and Audi’s Mattia Binotto, according to BBC Sport. Additionally, former chief executive Martin Whitmarsh was offered his previous position but seems to have declined.
The reported dispute between Cowell and Newey centers on who will hold ultimate authority within Aston Martin. Newey is currently focused on designing Aston Martin’s first F1 car ahead of the 2026 regulation changes.
Should Horner be appointed, there could be a tense reunion with Newey, as the two have a complicated history. Newey left Red Bull partly due to Horner’s involvement in sexual harassment allegations and his controlling management style. Newey also felt sidelined by Horner’s comments that diminished his role in the team’s success. However, their relationship has reportedly improved, and they even attended a concert together recently.
Horner was removed from his Red Bull duties after the British Grand Prix and is eager to return to Formula 1. He is set to receive a £52 million severance and could re-enter the sport in 2026.
Fan Take: This potential leadership change at Aston Martin is significant as it could reshape the team’s future direction and competitiveness. Horner’s return brings excitement but also risks, given his past conflicts, making it a development all racing fans will watch closely.
