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Motor racing news - Mercedes F1 engine head Andy Cowell to step down
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Published 15/06/2020 at 17:34 GMT+1
Engine boss Andy Cowell, a key man in Mercedes' and Lewis Hamilton's Formula One success over the past six seasons, will stand down on July 1, the reigning champions announced on Monday.
Eurosport
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Mercedes said Cowell, managing director of Mercedes-AMG High-Performance Powertrains (HPP), would support the transition and consult "on a major future project" with Mercedes-Benz until early next year at least.
"I have decided that now is the right time to move on from my role and seek a new engineering business challenge," Cowell, who has been with Mercedes for 16 years, said in a statement.
Hywel Thomas will now take direct responsibility for the Formula One power unit.
"Andy's leadership of the team at HPP has been a key factor in our championship success in recent seasons," said team principal Toto Wolff.
"Our philosophy has always been that a winning team is a dynamic organisation, and that change is a natural part of every company's development," added the Austrian, a shareholder in the team but whose own future role remains uncertain.
"I am particularly pleased that we have been able to work together to create a new leadership structure, by building on the strength in depth of the team in Brixworth. It puts us in a very strong position for the years ahead."
Mercedes have dominated since the start of the V6 turbo-hybrid era in 2014, winning an unprecedented six successive driver and constructor title doubles.
Britain's Hamilton, now chasing a seventh championship to equal Michael Schumacher's record, starts his season in Austria on July 5.
The 35-year-old Briton is out of contract at the end of 2020, but is expected to remain at Mercedes.
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