Christian Horner is reportedly being considered as a potential replacement for Andy Cowell as Aston Martin team principal. Cowell, aged 56, is speculated to be on the verge of dismissal following the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Horner, the former Red Bull chief who left the Formula 1 scene in July, has been actively seeking a return to the sport.
After a challenging Las Vegas GP, reports from RacingNews365 suggested that Cowell’s position at Aston Martin was in jeopardy due to the team’s current struggles in the Constructors’ Championship standings. The team is currently in seventh place, just eight points ahead of Sauber in ninth. RacingNews365 mentioned Andreas Seidl, a former McLaren and Sauber executive, as a potential successor.
BBC Sport has also indicated that Horner is a contender to replace Cowell. Since leaving Red Bull, Horner has been linked with various teams, including Ferrari, Haas, and Alpine, but this opportunity with Aston Martin could be his most significant since departing the sport.
Speculation about Horner joining Aston Martin emerged before the Singapore Grand Prix but was promptly denied by Cowell, who stated that there were no plans to involve Horner in any operational or investment capacity in the future.
If Horner were to return to the grid with Aston Martin, it would lead to a reunion with his rival Zak Brown, the CEO of McLaren Racing, who had previously criticized Horner’s change in demeanor over the years.
Meanwhile, at the Las Vegas race, Max Verstappen of Red Bull secured a crucial victory to keep his hopes alive in the Drivers’ Championship. Lando Norris of McLaren, who started on pole, drifted wide at the opening corner, allowing Verstappen to take the lead and eventually win by a significant margin.
Despite the initial results, both McLaren cars were disqualified after failing post-race FIA inspections. This turn of events leaves Verstappen trailing Norris by just 24 points as they head to the next race in Qatar.