Cowell in Trouble at Aston Martin, Horner a Leading Replacement Candidate

Short Excerpt: Sources reveal Aston Martin is preparing to part ways with team principal Andy Cowell after disagreements with Adrian Newey, with Christian Horner now a leading candidate to take the reins.

Aston Martin F1 is on the brink of a dramatic management overhaul, with Andy Cowell—CEO and team principal—reportedly set to depart his dual role following a series of internal disagreements with managing technical partner Adrian Newey. The unfolding crisis has thrust former Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner into contention as the leading candidate to take charge at Silverstone, according to multiple reputable sources within the Formula 1 paddock.

Tensions Erupt Between Cowell and Newey

The rupture at Aston Martin reportedly centers on a clash of leadership vision and authority between Cowell, who joined the team from Mercedes’ legendary power unit program, and Adrian Newey, arguably F1’s most decorated designer—recently installed as a technical partner and minority shareholder. Sources suggest that Newey’s influence, both from a technical and ownership perspective, has steadily outflanked Cowell’s authority within the rapidly expanding Aston Martin organization.

While the team had hoped Cowell’s strong powertrain pedigree and previous Mercedes successes would steer Aston into a new era alongside Honda for 2026, the influx of marquee hires—Newey, ex-Ferrari technical chief Enrico Cardile, and others—has contributed to a shifting balance of power. Recent disagreements reportedly spilled over at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, accelerating owner Lawrence Stroll’s decision to consider new leadership.

Horner the Frontrunner, Seidl and Binotto Also in the Frame

Christian Horner, ousted from Red Bull earlier this year after a public internal strife and subsequent settlement, has openly sought a new high-impact F1 leadership role. Reports indicate Horner reached out to various teams—including Haas, Ferrari, and Alpine—but Aston Martin is now his likeliest destination, partly due to shared ambitions with Stroll and the desire for a figure who can harness both technical and commercial momentum.

Other names reportedly under consideration include former McLaren and current Audi COO Andreas Seidl and ex-Ferrari principal Mattia Binotto, though Horner’s multiple championship-winning F1 track record makes him the standout candidate for now.

Cowell to Move to Power Unit Role?

While Cowell is set to step down from day-to-day team management, sources claim he may remain on board with Aston Martin’s power unit program as it prepares for the technical shift to Honda engines in 2026. Such a reassignment would leverage Cowell’s expertise without the internal strain that his ongoing rivalry with Newey had produced.

Official Statements and the Paddock Response

Aston Martin, reached for comment, has refused to confirm the rumors, stating:

« The team will not be engaging in rumour or speculation. The focus is on maximizing performance in the remaining races and preparing for 2026. »

This non-committal stance has only fueled speculation as the paddock buzzes about one of the most consequential F1 management shake-ups of the year.

Background: Horner and Newey Dynamic Adds Intrigue

The prospect of Horner joining Aston Martin reunites him with Newey, although their working relationship at Red Bull ended amid controversy and highly public internal investigations. While any formal reunion would require both men to move past earlier disputes, the opportunity to drive Aston Martin into the top tier of F1—especially in a new rules era—could prove an irresistible challenge.

Conclusion

With the tension at Aston Martin peaking, all eyes are on the team’s next move. Cowell’s imminent exit—underpinned by internal rivalry and a shifting power structure—marks the latest twist in a team determined to join F1’s front-runners. Christian Horner stands as the leading candidate to step into the high-pressure role, promising further drama and significant changes as F1 heads into the 2026 technical revolution.