Ex-Mercedes guru SNATCHED by F1 rivals

Mercedes former engine chief Andy Cowell has returned to the Formula 1 paddock - but not with the Silver Arrows.

Cowell was responsible for the production of the Mercedes engine during their championship winning era between 2014-2021.

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However, the 55-year-old Brit will join rival team, Aston Martin, where he will replace Martin Whitmarsh as their CEO.

Earlier this year the Brackley-based outfit bid farewell to their performance director Loic Serra, who will join Ferrari as head of chassis performance engineering in October.

Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team announces Andy Cowell as Group Chief Executive Officer.

Find out more below.

— Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) July 2, 2024

Andy Cowell joins Aston Martin

Cowell will take the mantle at Aston Martin before the end of the year, and may not be the only defector, with other key figures in the paddock rumoured to join the team.

Ferrari’s technical director Enrico Cardile has reportedly been approached by Aston Martin, in addition to Red Bull’s Adrian Newey who received a private tour of their factory.

Speaking ahead of the British Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso expressed how integral the signing of Cowell is to Aston Martin.

"It is big. It shows once again that the project is just appealing for these big names and big engineers, designers that they want to join the Aston Martin family," Alonso said to Sky Sports.

"I don’t know him personally and I didn’t spend time with him, so I have to be honest. I’m really looking forward to spend a bit of time and know him better.

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"I think Lawrence has a lot of trust in him, and Martin (Whitmarsh) as well. Martin was and is a huge part of this team. He was the man behind all the new campus and the mind of everything that Aston Martin is today.

"So first of all, I think we need to make sure that we deliver some nice results before Martin steps out, but I think Andy will be a good continuation of Martin."

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