Ferrari refuse to rule out move for former Mercedes engine boss Andy Cowell

Ferrari

Ferrari refuse to rule out move for former Mercedes engine boss Cowell

Team principal Mattia Binotto has left the door open

Ian Parkes & Sam Hall

Friday 4 September 2020 15:31

Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto has refused to rule out a move for outgoing Mercedes power unit head Andy Cowell as part of the Scuderia's ongoing technical shake-up.

Since the introduction of the V6 turbo-hybrid systems in 2014, Cowell and his team at Mercedes High Performance Powertrains have played a major role in the team's dominance.

With Ferrari clearly struggling with its power unit since technical directives were issued towards the end of last season that stymied its own resurgence, the recruitment of Cowell would be seen as a feather in the cap for the Scuderia.

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Cowell relinquished his role as managing director at HPP at the end of June, although it is understood he is currently working on another project with Mercedes through to early 2021.

It is not beyond the realms of possibility the 51-year-old could ultimately make the switch at some point next season.

Asked as to the recent restructuring of the technical department, and the possibility of hiring Cowell, Binotto said: "I think that normally to see the results of an organisation [restructuring] takes some more time.

"But I am pretty happy the way that I can see the people here understand the matter of urgency of our situation, are working hard and are committed, united, and want to progress the car and our competitiveness.

"In terms of new people joining Ferrari in the future, I think that in F1 you can never be self-satisfied. So if there is anyone that can bring added value to the team it is our responsibility to operate and eventually to do it."

As to Cowell specifically, Binotto added: "You mention Andy Cowell. As far as I am aware, he is still working at Mercedes currently.

"Obviously there are great names in F1. Is someone joining Ferrari very soon? This is not the case."

Binotto appeared to play with words as stating "very soon" does not preclude Cowell bearing in mind he will not be available until next year.

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