Head of engine development leaves Mercedes

Mercedes announced via a press release on Monday that Andy Cowell, the head of engine development at the F1 team, will leave the team. He will resign as of July 1, but will remain involved with Mercedes until early 2021. Since Mercedes has known this for some time, they announced a restructuring within the development division.

New leadership

The new adjusted leadership will be formed by Hywel Thomas, who will be managing director of the F1 power unit, Adam Allsopp, 'Project One Powertrain Director' led by Markus Schäfer, Richard Stevens is operations director and Ronald Ballhaus will be finance and IT director. In addition, Pierre Godof will take charge of the electric motor racing department.

This structure should enable Mercedes to deliver three major projects in the coming years: the power source for Formula 1, the power source for Formula E and the power source for Mercedes-AMG One. Andy Cowel will work with Hywel Thomas until the beginning of 2021 for the transition and he will also play a consultative role in future major projects.

Toto Wolff on Cowell's imminent departure: "Andy's leadership of the team at HPP has been a key factor in our championship success in recent seasons. He has made an outstanding contribution to our motorsport legacy and I have valued and enjoyed our working relationship since 2013."

So although things will change in the background in management, Toto Wolff will once again act as team boss this year. So his position won't change.