Stroll Enlists Ex-Mercedes Guru for F1 Team

Andy Cowell is set to lead Aston Martin F1 from October, succeeding Martin Whitmarsh, while Lawrence Stroll secures a top former Mercedes F1 engine director.

Aston Martin F1 Team Announces Appointment of Andy Cowell as Group CEO

On October 1, 2024, Andy Cowell will join the team as CEO, reporting to Executive Chairman Lawrence Stroll. The current Group CEO, Martin Whitmarsh, will hand over his responsibilities before the end of the year.

Until recently, Cowell served as the Managing Director of Mercedes F1’s engine division, contributing to the team’s numerous successes in the turbo-hybrid era before stepping back four years ago to take a break.

“I am excited to join Lawrence’s thrilling project and look forward to working with the talented group of people assembled,” states Cowell.

“F1 has always been my passion for competition, 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 factory team with strategic partners Honda and Aramco.”

“I want to thank Martin who has played a pivotal role in our growth phase as a company. Over the past three years, he has developed the team and helped us achieve significant milestones, including enhancing our relationship with Honda and delivering our state-of-the-art AMR Technology Campus at Silverstone,” comments Lawrence Stroll, Executive Chairman of Aston Martin F1.

“I am delighted to welcome Andy to our team at a crucial time. With our factory partnership with Honda, the commitment of our title partner Aramco, and Andy’s leadership, we are on track to become a world champion team. Andy has my full support and will have all the resources necessary to win.”

Martin Whitmarsh will leave the team by the end of the year with a sense of duty fulfilled.

“I have known Andy for many years and recruited him to Mercedes HPP in 2004, where he served as Managing Director from 2013 to 2020, achieving tremendous success in both business and sports. He will be an incredible asset to Aston Martin Aramco and will significantly contribute to the execution of our strategy moving forward. Andy’s arrival in October and the completion of the AMR Technology Campus will allow me to step back and focus on other projects in my life, knowing that the foundations have been laid with an impressive team, an inspiring vision, and advanced facilities for success in F1.”