Aston Martin faces internal disruption at a critical moment, just months before its full works partnership with Honda begins in 2026. Senior sources have indicated to BBC Sport that CEO Andy Cowell may be moved aside following an ongoing power struggle with Managing Technical Partner Adrian Newey.
Team owner Lawrence Stroll is understood to be preparing to intervene, and former Red Bull boss Christian Horner has unexpectedly surfaced as a potential candidate to take over team leadership.
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Newey versus Cowell: a clash of authority inside Aston Martin
The root of the dispute lies in the structure of the team’s leadership. Cowell, as CEO, is formally responsible for overall direction. Newey, however, occupies a unique position: he is not only the sport’s most successful designer but also a high-level shareholder with exceptional influence and compensation.
In practice, Newey’s technical authority carries more weight. Stroll’s priority remains producing a car capable of fighting for podiums and supporting his son Lance Stroll’s performance. Newey’s control over the competitive direction naturally follows from that responsibility.
Sources suggest Aston Martin is now considering shifting Cowell into a role focused on the 2026 Honda power unit programme. Given Cowell’s pedigree overseeing Mercedes’ championship-winning hybrid engines, such a move would align with his experience and lessen the leadership conflict.
Horner’s name resurfaces despite fractured history with Newey
Christian Horner, dismissed by Red Bull in July following poor results and internal controversy, is being discussed as a candidate for Aston Martin’s top job. After receiving a significant severance settlement reportedly worth up to 100 million dollars, Horner has remained interested in returning to team leadership and is said to be open to acquiring shares.
The complication is his relationship with Newey. Their deteriorating dynamic was widely reported as a factor in Newey’s exit from Red Bull, and the split was publicly described as severe.
However, insiders revealed the pair were seen together this summer at an Oasis reunion concert, raising suggestions that the relationship may be warming.
If Newey and Horner were able to collaborate again, Aston Martin could theoretically recreate the structure that powered Red Bull’s dominant years.
Multiple leadership names in contention
Aston Martin has undergone several leadership changes since its rebranding:
• Otmar Szafnauer departed
• Mike Krack was repositioned
• Martin Whitmarsh stepped down
A replacement for Cowell would mark the fourth major reshuffle in a short period. Alongside Horner, other industry names being considered include:
• Andreas Seidl, former McLaren team principal
• Mattia Binotto, currently leading Audi’s F1 project
Among them, Seidl is seen as the least contentious hire.
Whitmarsh has been mentioned externally but has stated he has no intention of returning.
A pivotal decision before the Honda era begins
Aston Martin stands at a crossroads. With sweeping new technical regulations arriving in 2026 and Honda returning as a works partner, the team’s leadership structure must be settled quickly.
Stroll now faces a defining choice:
Will Aston Martin attempt to rebuild a former Red Bull powerhouse combination of Newey, Horner and Honda, or continue restructuring and risk deeper instability?
The decision is expected to shape the team’s trajectory for several seasons to come.
