Aston Martin chief executive officer Andy Cowell is on the brink of losing his job after disagreements with managing technical partner Adrian Newey created a rupture inside the Formula 1 team, senior sources have told BBC Sport.
Although no final decision has been taken, Cowell is expected to be removed from his position running Aston Martin as both CEO and team principal, although he may remain within the broader organisation. The situation has accelerated in recent weeks as tensions between Cowell and Newey, who is leading development of the 2026 car, have intensified over questions of authority.
An Aston Martin Aramco spokesperson declined to address the internal dispute, saying the team would not engage in rumour or speculation and that its focus remained on maximising performance in the final races of the season and preparing for 2026.
No successor has been confirmed, but Christian Horner, dismissed by Red Bull in July, is pushing for a leadership role and a shareholding in the team. Lawrence Stroll has also sounded out other candidates, including former McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl, Audi F1 project leader Mattia Binotto and former Aston Martin CEO Martin Whitmarsh. Whitmarsh, who was replaced by Cowell last year, turned down an offer to return, saying he no longer wished to take a role in the team.
The fallout between Cowell and Newey stems from competing spheres of influence. Cowell, as CEO, is meant to oversee the operation, while Newey, a 12 time constructors’ champion and 13 time drivers’ champion designer, holds considerable authority as both a shareholder and the team’s highest earner.
Newey left Red Bull earlier this year after a breakdown in his relationship with Horner, which followed allegations of sexual harassment and coercive behaviour made against Horner by an employee. Horner was cleared by two internal investigations, but the allegations triggered internal instability and a drop in performance, leading to his removal after the British Grand Prix. A settlement in September was worth 60 million euros.
Despite Newey telling colleagues at the time that he did not want to be in the same room as Horner, the pair were said to have reconnected over the summer and even attended an Oasis concert together. Even so, it remains uncertain whether Horner will secure a role at Aston Martin, particularly with Stroll already acting as de facto team principal.
If Cowell departs, he would become the fourth senior leader to exit Aston Martin in recent years. Otmar Szafnauer was dismissed in early 2022 and replaced by Mike Krack, who was later moved to chief engineer when Cowell took charge. The team is also navigating a major technical restructure after seven senior design engineers left their positions earlier this month.
Aston Martin hope the shake up, combined with the arrival of Honda as engine partner, will deliver a significant step forward when new regulations come into force next year.
