Aston Martin said something ‘remarkable’ in Las Vegas that suggests Andy Cowell’s future is in doubt

Follow us on Google Discover

Reports coming out of the Las Vegas Grand Prix have suggested that Andy Cowell is set to leave his position as Aston Martin team principal.

The 56-year-old has only been in the role since October 2024, taking over from Mike Krack. However, Cowell, who also acts as CEO of Aston Martin, could be about to lose his position.

Rumours about disagreements between the Brit and technical director, Adrian Newey, are said to have caused Lawrence Stroll to act.

Former Red Bull boss Christian Horner is already being considered to replace Cowell, having been linked with the team in recent months. Aston Martin are yet to confirm that they will switch team principals, but the Las Vegas Grand Prix gave a good indication that that will be the case.

Aston Martin were remarkably hesitant to confirm that Andy Cowell would be at their 2026 presentation

In light of the reports, journalist Ronald Vording was talking to Aston Martin staff in the paddock when the topic of their 2026 presentation came up. The team told him that media sessions would be set up with Fernando Alonso, Lance Stroll and Newey.

When Vording asked if Cowell would be there too, he had to ask the question ‘three times’ before they finally said that he would also be there. He notes that this was ‘remarkable’ given the rumours, and it puts his future with the team in doubt.

Vording said via Motorsport.com Nederland: “But afterwards, some other news came out, mainly via the BBC. And that is about the position of Andy Cowell being under pressure and that even Christian Horner could be in the race to replace him.

“On the one hand, that seems remarkable because Aston has continuously said that everything revolves around 2026. So it would be very strange if you were to dismiss someone before the season of truth can begin. That would actually be very, very strange.

“On the other hand, there are a few remarkable indications. One is that I had some conversations yesterday about the season presentation for next year, which Aston Martin will be giving. Well, that’s all still confidential, but anyway.

“Then someone said: ‘Yes, well, if you come there, we’ll organise sessions with the drivers, including Adrian Newey.’ And then I asked: ‘Well, with Andy Cowell too?’

“But I had to ask that question three times before there was a bit of agreement that: ‘Yes, with Cowell too.’ So that was actually quite remarkable in light of this.

“Well, nothing has been decided yet, for now, those are just rumours, and we have to be very careful with them.”

READ MORE: All you need to know about Aston Martin CEO and team principal Andy Cowell

Is Christian Horner the right choice to replace Andy Cowell at Aston Martin?

As aforementioned, the Silverstone squad have not confirmed that Cowell will leave his post, but according to reports, they have already identified potential replacements. Alongside Horner, Aston Martin are looking at Andreas Siedl, who was also attracting interest from Ferrari.

On paper, Horner would make the most sense, given his incredible success with Red Bull and Honda, who will supply Aston Martin’s engines in 2026. However, the appointment could bring conflict with key figures within the team.

Horner’s relationship with Lawrence Stroll would be ‘awkward’, as he is likely to want his son, Lance, out of the team. It could make a move to Aston Martin difficult, especially when Horner is ‘pushing’ for a shareholding and a leadership role within the team.

Many people have also pointed towards the conflict with Newey, as the 51-year-old was partly responsible for his exit from Red Bull. However, Newey and Horner would have no problem working together at Aston Martin – the pair have maintained a strong relationship.