Andy Cowell: Managing Director, Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains
Andy Cowell studied Mechanical Engineering at Lancaster University, taking a year out from formal study at Reynard Racing Cars on their Scholarship Scheme. After graduating with a first class honours degree, Andy joined Cosworth Racing Ltd on their graduate scheme, rotating through the company’s technical departments before specialising in the design and development of Formula 1 engines. By 1999, Andy was leading the engine project group responsible for the top end of the innovative CK engine as raced by Stewart Ford.
After a period spent with BMW Motorsport, where he managed the engineering group responsible for the concept of the 2001 engine used by Williams BMW, Andy returned to Cosworth as Principal Engineer for F1 design and development; managing the new engine projects in 2001 and 2003.
Andy joined Mercedes-Ilmor in 2004 as Principal Engineer for the FQ V10 engine project. He was then Chief Engineer on the V8 project before taking on responsibility for the technical and programme leadership of all engine projects, including the KERS hybrid, which made its race debut in 2009. Andy was Engineering and Programme Director for Mercedes-Benz High Performance Engines from July 2008 – December 2012 and represented Mercedes in the FIA regulation discussions for the new 2014 Power Unit. Since January 2013, Andy has been Managing Director of Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains Ltd.