Horner reveals 'multi-team' fight to sign senior F1 figure

Christian Horner has revealed that every F1 power unit manufacturer was trying to sign Andy Cowell before he joined Aston Martin. 

Former director of Mercedes High Performance Powertrains (HPP) Cowell is to join Aston Martin as Group CEO in October, replacing Martin Whitmarsh, who is standing down.

The move comes as the team is preparing to move to Honda power units for the 2026 rules revamp, with the new power units featuring beefed-up electrical systems and the removal of the MGU-K. 

Cowell departed Mercedes HPP in 2020, after overseeing the success of the turbo-hybrid era, and has kept a low profile since, but Red Bull boss Horner, whose own in-house Red Bull Powertrains division is working towards the '26 rules has indicated a fight took place between the power unit manufacturers, who also include Ferrari, Audi and Renault in addition to Mercedes and Honda.

"Andy is, is a great guy, he's a very strong engineer and he did a wonderful job at HPP, he was the main backbone behind that project," Horner told media including RacingNews365. 

"He elected to leave Mercedes and spend some time outside of Formula 1 and of course I think every single engine manufacturer spoke with him during that during that period.

"But after he decided he wanted to take time out, we made alternative plans we're happy with, but he has taken on a role that is not engine-related within Aston Martin."

Aston Martin's view of Cowell

Cowell was announced at Aston Martin prior to the British Grand Prix, with team principal Mike Krack revealing how executive chairman Lawrence Stroll was key to persuading Cowell to join.

"Lawrence is the most convincing [person] of anyone in the paddock," Krack explained.

"He is very strong in it, but it is not only words. 

"If you look [at the factory], it is very impressive what is happening there, the factory and wind tunnel is state-of-the-art and Andy has a high opinion of Honda. 

"There are a lot of elements in the mix that can promise a good future as Group CEO."

When further pushed by RacingNews365 if Cowell would identify weaknesses in the current set-up, Krack believes the former's prior experience would aid Aston.

"When you look back, wherever he has been, there has been success," Krack said.

"So there must have been a very good capability of managing people, infrastructures and managing budgets.

"I have only heard positives from whoever has worked with him, and that is why I am quite positive about how we are going to work together."