Aston Martin shut down rumours of key figure’s imminent departure

Recent reports had suggested that Cowell could be set to leave the team in June 2026, citing a “lack of compatibility with how his role within the organisation evolved” as the reason — claims that Aston Martin has firmly denied.

‘Andy Cowell remains fully committed to Aston Martin Aramco F1 team as Chief Strategy Officer, helping to optimise our technical partnerships to ensure the seamless integration of the Team's new PU, fuel and chassis,’ the team told GPblog.

The former Mercedes HPP managing director was appointed Aston Martin CEO in July 2024 before also taking on the role of team principal in January 2025.

He held the position until November of the same year, when the British outfit announced a top-level restructure that saw Adrian Newey named team principal, while Cowell moved into the role of chief strategy officer.

Cowell, alongside Newey, Lawrence Stroll and the team’s two drivers, was in attendance at yesterday’s AMR26 launch event.

On Monday, the Silverstone-based team unveiled the AMR26 to the public. The car had already appeared at the Barcelona tests in a full-black livery, but this time Aston Martin revealed its definitive colour scheme.

Newey, who was present at the launch not only as team principal but also as the mastermind behind his first Aston Martin car, did not hide his emotion when speaking about his new creation.