Christian Horner considered for Aston Martin's new team boss and CEO role

After the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Aston Martin is said to have parted ways with team principal and CEO Andy Cowell. The former head of Mercedes’ engine project was appointed as team principal at the start of the current season, having joined first as CEO in 2024. Not even a year later, Cowell is reportedly making way again.

The Briton is the third team principal since Lawrence Stroll took the helm. Otmar Szafnauer was in charge when the Canadian took over and left at his own request even before the 2022 F1 season began. According to him, it was because management was micromanaging too much.

After Szafnauer came Mike Krack, who made way for Cowell at the start of 2025. Krack remains with Aston Martin, but now in the role of Chief Trackside Officer.

Asked about the story that Cowell had been dismissed, an Aston Martin spokesperson said that "the team will not be engaging in rumour or speculation. The focus is on maximising performance in the remaining races and preparing for 2026."

Even so, various names are already circulating online as potential successors to Cowell. Christian Horner is the most prominent name that immediately surfaces. The BBC reports that the biggest question mark—namely the relationship with Adrian Newey—was resolved during an Oasis concert in summer.

It is known that Newey left Red Bull Racing partly due to the situation surrounding Christian Horner. After a long and successful relationship between the two, it had cooled somewhat due to the circumstances. According to the British public broadcaster, that relationship has now improved.

If that is the case, the question remains whether Horner will actually make the switch to the British team. Horner would reportedly also like to have equity in an F1 team, and whether that’s possible at Aston Martin is uncertain. Previous CEOs and team principals did not receive that, and with Newey, the team already has a leading figure who holds a stake in the company.

In addition, Horner is said to be in talks with parties from the United States and the Middle East. So if Horner wants an equity stake in a team, it would be a larger one. The question is whether Stroll would be willing to give up such a large portion of his shares to external parties.

Another name mentioned online is Andreas Seidl. According to RacingNews365, the former McLaren team principal has been approached for Cowell’s role. Seidl was successful as team principal at McLaren, but a move to Audi as CEO worked out less successfully. Even before the German outfit started its active term in F1, Seidl was replaced by Mattia Binotto.

Seidl would be a viable short-term option. Reportedly, Horner still has a period of gardening leave from Red Bull Racing, which would mean he could only start at a new team halfway through 2026.

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