Jefferson Slack, managing director and head of Aston Martin’s commercial and marketing sectors, has described Andy Cowell, the team’s CEO and Team Principal, as an “absolutely essential piece for the team’s future.”
Cowell returned to Formula 1 last October, succeeding Martin Whitmarsh and taking on the role of CEO at Aston Martin. With a wealth of experience, his winning approach is well-known in the industry, having led Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains from 2013 to 2020, after joining the Anglo-German team in 2004.
Slack, credited with Aston Martin’s commercial success, shared his views on Cowell in an exclusive interview with Motorsport Week, praising the CEO’s technical expertise and leadership skills.
Andy Cowell: a global leader
“Not being a Formula 1 expert, and certainly not a technical person, I didn’t know Andy until a few months ago. However, I was extremely impressed by him,” said Slack.
“He has evident technical knowledge, but what stands out is his leadership ability, his decisiveness, and fairness. He treats people with great respect, and I think he is absolutely critical to our future.”
Jefferson Slack’s confidence in Cowell is based not only on his technical skills but also on his human and collaborative approach, which are essential traits for leading a team toward long-term success.
Strategic changes in Aston Martin’s leadership
Aston Martin began 2025 with significant leadership changes, reorganizing the car development process between the trackside and factory departments. This transformation was spearheaded by Cowell, who also took on the role of Team Principal. Mike Krack was reassigned as Chief Trackside Officer, while Enrico Cardile, Chief Technical Officer, assumed responsibility for factory-based development.
Slack praised these adjustments, emphasizing that they were well-thought-out rather than impulsive. “The changes [Cowell] made were not dictated by impulse but by a deep analysis of what could make the team more efficient,” said Slack.
Focus on long-term development
Over the past two years, Aston Martin has struggled with car development, a challenge exacerbated by the dual responsibilities of staff managing a 24-race season while also being tasked with technical development.
“This situation is difficult to manage,” explained Slack. “Cowell introduced a structure that clearly separates the duties of those working in the field and those focused on long-term development. This approach is similar to that of other successful teams.”
Cowell implemented this vision after months of observation and evaluation, demonstrating a strategic and methodical approach.
“He didn’t make hasty changes upon arrival but took the time to understand the team’s dynamics and develop a targeted strategy,” added Jefferson Slack.
Cowell also fostered a strong sense of cohesion within the team. The Silverstone campus, with its state-of-the-art facilities, provides a solid foundation for the car’s long-term development. The new organizational structure allows staff to focus on specific tasks, optimizing efficiency and encouraging innovation.
“I was impressed by his ability to work with people and his strategic vision,” Slack concluded. “Cowell is not only a capable leader but also an extremely pleasant person to collaborate with, which is just as important.”
With Cowell at the helm, Aston Martin aims to solidify its position in the Formula 1 landscape, striving to become a competitive force both on the track and in technological development.
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