Aston Martin Poised to Sack Team Principal Andy Cowell Amid Leadership Shake-Up

Aston Martin is reportedly preparing to dismiss its F1 Team Principal and CEO, Andy Cowell, shortly after the Las Vegas Grand Prix. This move comes less than a year after Cowell, the former head of Mercedes High Performance Powertrains, took the helm, replacing Martin Whitmarsh in October 2024, and later assumed team principal duties in early 2025 following a leadership reshuffle.

Why it matters:

This leadership change at Aston Martin underscores the high-stakes environment of Formula 1, where performance and stability are paramount. For Aston Martin, a team with significant ambitions and investment from owner Lawrence Stroll, consistent senior leadership is crucial for building a competitive car and challenging the established frontrunners. A rapid change at the top could signal deeper structural issues or a decisive move to course-correct the team's trajectory ahead of the critical 2026 regulation changes.

The Details:

• Reports of Instability: According to Formula.Hu, Cowell's position has become untenable following recent departures of key design figures, including aerodynamics director Eric Blandin. This exodus of senior talent has reportedly led owner Lawrence Stroll to believe a change in leadership is necessary.
• Cowell's Brief Tenure: Cowell, who joined Aston Martin in October 2024 as CEO, also took on the responsibilities of team principal after Mike Krack transitioned to chief trackside officer in early 2025. His leadership period has been marked by significant internal movements.
• Potential Successor: RacingNews365 understands that former McLaren and Stake boss Andreas Seidl is a potential replacement for Cowell.
  • Seidl left McLaren before the 2023 season to join the Volkswagen group, leading Stake in its preparation for Audi's 2026 entry. However, he departed mid-2024, replaced by Mattia Binotto.
• Aston Martin's Response: When approached for comment, an Aston Martin Aramco spokesperson did not deny the rumors, stating, "The team will not be engaging in rumor or speculation. The focus is on maximising performance in the remaining races and preparing for 2026."

What's next:

The anticipated announcement after the Las Vegas Grand Prix will confirm the immediate future of Aston Martin's leadership. If Seidl is indeed appointed, his experience with multiple F1 teams and his recent involvement in Audi's F1 preparations could bring a fresh perspective and much-needed stability to the team. The focus will quickly shift to how this new leadership will address the current internal challenges and steer the team towards a more competitive future, particularly with the significant 2026 regulation changes looming.