Christian Horner poised for Aston Martin leadership role
Former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has emerged as a frontrunner to replace Aston Martin’s chief executive and team principal, Andy Cowell, reports BritPanorama.
The 51-year-old, who departed Red Bull in July following a £53 million settlement, has been seeking a route back into Formula 1 since his dismissal. Cowell is reportedly facing imminent removal from his position due to internal conflicts with the team’s managing technical partner, Adrian Newey.
Since assuming the dual role just over twelve months ago, Cowell’s authority within the Silverstone-based operation has come under scrutiny, though he may retain a different role within the broader organisation. Tensions between Cowell and Newey have escalated, prompting team owner Lawrence Stroll to consider action amidst a backdrop of instability.
While no definitive decision has been announced, sources suggest that Cowell’s departure from his leadership positions seems inevitable. An Aston Martin Aramco spokesperson declined to comment on the speculation, stating, “The team will not be engaging in rumour or speculation. The focus is on maximising performance in the remaining races and preparing for 2026.”
Horner’s candidacy is complicated by his previously fractured relationship with Newey, which contributed to the designer’s exit from Red Bull. Allegations of inappropriate behaviour against Horner led to two internal investigations that ultimately cleared him. Although reports indicate the pair reconciled during a summer concert, it remains uncertain whether their professional relationship can flourish at Aston Martin.
Stroll has considered multiple candidates for the role, including former McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl, current Audi F1 project head Mattia Binotto, and Martin Whitmarsh, the predecessor to Cowell. Whitmarsh declined an offer to return to his former position, stating, “I decided to leave Aston Martin in 2023 and, whilst Lawrence has been very generous, I no longer wanted a role in the team.”
The potential departure of Cowell would mark him as the fourth senior executive to exit under Stroll’s ownership, following Otmar Szafnauer’s dismissal in 2022 and Mike Krack’s demotion earlier this year. The team has seen broader instability, with several senior design engineers leaving earlier in the month.
With authority within the team structure becoming a fundamental point of contention, both Cowell and Newey appear reluctant to cede control over the Formula 1 operations. Newey’s position carries significant influence, despite Cowell’s role as CEO, and his recent appointment tasked him specifically with leading the development of the 2026 challenger.
As the landscape of Formula 1 leadership shifts, the stakes for Aston Martin have never been higher. The balance of power among team executives will undoubtedly shape the team’s trajectory in the coming seasons, a reminder of how critical stability and collaboration are in the fast-paced world of motorsport.
