Mercedes F1 engine guru Cowell to step down in major change

Mercedes Formula 1 engine chief Andy Cowell is to leave his role as managing director next month amid a major revision to its management structure. 

Cowell has been an instrumental figure in Mercedes’ success throughout the V6 hybrid era by developing one of the most successful power units in F1 history. Mercedes has won six consecutive world championship doubles in this time. 

He will depart his position on July 1 after working at Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains (HPP) for the past 16 years.

A new leadership team will be put in place, with Hywel Thomas taking over as managing director with direct responsibility for the power unit. Adam Allsopp, Richard Stevens and Ronald Ballhaus will comprise the rest of the management structure to guide the company’s engine divisions.

Cowell informed the team of his intention to leave earlier this year in January and will help to ensure a smooth transition of his responsibilities among the senior leadership team, and will "consult to Mercedes-Benz AG on a major future project until at least early 2021".

"After 16 enjoyable years working for HPP, I have decided that now is the right time to move on from my role and seek a new engineering business challenge,” Cowell said.

“I have appreciated the opportunity to work with Markus [Schäfer, Daimler] and Toto in defining the future leadership structure of the company and I have every confidence in the ability of Hywel and the team to lead the company forward.

“It has been an absolute honour to work for Mercedes and especially to be Managing Director of HPP for seven years.”

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff paid tribute to Cowell’s “outstanding contribution” and is confident the team’s engine operations will remain in a “very strong position” moving forwards.

"Andy's leadership of the team at HPP has been a key factor in our championship success in recent seasons,” Wolff said.

“He has made an outstanding contribution to our motorsport legacy and I have valued and enjoyed our working relationship since 2013; I am sure he will enjoy great success in the next challenge he decides to take on.

“Our philosophy has always been that a winning team is a dynamic organisation, and that change is a natural part of every company's development.

“I am particularly pleased that we have been able to work together to create a new leadership structure, by building on the strength in depth of the team in Brixworth.

“It puts us in a very strong position for the years ahead, as we aim to set new benchmarks in Formula 1 and Formula E.”