Management change at Mercedes as Andy Cowell announces his departure

Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains [HPP] managing director Andy Cowell has announced he will be leaving the Formula 1 manufacturer on July 1.

Ever since the introduction of V6 turbo hybrid power units in 2014, Mercedes has been the team to beat in F1, and Cowell has played a significant role in this success.

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

Cowell will be succeeded by Mercedes F1 power unit director Hywel Thomas, but the 51-year-old will stick around to 'consult with Mercedes-Benz AG on a major future project until at least early 2021'.

Cowell said: "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.

"I have appreciated the opportunity to work with Markus 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."

Given the speculation that Wolff will be moving to Racing Point/Aston Martin for 2021, all eyes will now be focused on where Cowell next elects to call home.

Before you go...

F1 keen on Shanghai double-header

Le Mans ambition for Leclerc

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

Red Bull F1 star OUT of Spanish Grand Prix with injury as team forced to draft in replacement

• 13 minutes ago

Ferrari 'can't' back Lewis Hamilton in F1 title fight, Nico Rosberg reveals why

• 1 hour ago

Aston Martin will 'shock the world' says F1 legend: 'Oh my God they're coming'

• 2 hours ago

Kimi Raikkonen in Red Bull garage as F1 team eye driver signing for the future

• 3 hours ago

Charles Leclerc claims Lewis Hamilton battle at Monza 'went too far'

• Today 13:55

Ferrari have blown it again, only Christian Horner can fix this mess and the Lewis Hamilton problem

• Today 12:46