Ferrari – Vasseur targets a candidate to lift the team: the option from a rival outfit
Frederic Vasseur may be considering reinforcing Ferrari’s currently fragile technical structure with a key figure coming from a rival Formula 1 team. The situation surrounding Andy Cowell could open unexpected scenarios for the Scuderia. According to a report by the BBC, the British engineer has been removed from his role as team principal of Aston Martin. Although rumors suggest he will be reassigned within the organization, Fred Vasseur is now keeping a close eye on developments.
The former Mercedes engineer is expected to be moved into the Honda power unit programme that will support Aston Martin throughout the new 2026 regulatory cycle. However, this appears to be more of a lateral transfer than a promotion, which limits Andy Cowell’s sphere of influence and suggests a relationship with ownership that may have reached its limits.
At Maranello, something is moving
How does Ferrari fit into all this? According to Giuliano Duchessa and Piergiuseppe Donadoni of Autoracer, Fred Vasseur might be considering Andy Cowell as the ideal candidate to replace the long-vacant position previously held by Enrico Cardile.
Following Enrico Cardile’s departure—the long-time head of aerodynamics and later the leader of the combined chassis-power unit technical division—Ferrari reorganized under the leadership of Enrico Gualtieri, head of engines. He is now supported by a group of senior engineers and several new arrivals with Renault experience.
Since then, Fred Vasseur has taken direct control over technical areas and is evaluating two strategic paths: maintaining the current, more horizontal structure, or reintroducing a senior coordinating figure, such as a Chief Technical Officer.
In the latter scenario, Andy Cowell would be a natural candidate. He has extensive experience managing complex technical structures, combines knowledge of engines, power units and infrastructure, and possesses an international profile that could significantly accelerate Maranello’s modernisation.
The obstacles are significant
Andy Cowell’s collaboration with Honda may turn out to be more formal than substantial, and at the same time, the role assigned to him risks being too restrictive for an executive accustomed to having full operational control. Ferrari, by contrast, would offer him a broader scope of influence, as well as the presence of two figures who know him well from his Mercedes days: Loïc Serra, now head of performance, and Lewis Hamilton.
Whether Andy Cowell would accept a move to Italy would depend on his gardening leave period and his willingness to embrace a radically different environment. However, in such a delicate phase of technical restructuring, Ferrari cannot afford to overlook a figure of his calibre.
With the 2026 regulation reset fast approaching and Red Bull and McLaren pulling away, Fred Vasseur knows Ferrari cannot afford to let an opportunity to land one of the most successful technical minds of the modern era.
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