Podcast: Andy Cowell, head of Mercedes' dominant F1 engine division
How did Mercedes come to dominate the Formula 1 hybrid era? We speak to the man leading the development of its all-conquering engine
Andy Cowell is the managing director of a group that has totally dominated Formula 1 during the hybrid era.
The power behind Mercedes’ six constructors’ championships, five of Lewis Hamilton’s titles and Nico Rosberg’s World Championship, Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains designed, built and have continued to develop the hybrid engine that has proved to be the class of the field.
However, in 2013, just months before the new power unit was required for the 2014 season, the opposite scenario looked likely. In our latest podcast, Cowell reveals that staff hours were increased to cope with a long list of issues and engine failures.
Hear more about why Mercedes eventually succeeded in the complex business of developing a modern hybrid; the engine’s ‘party mode’ and the battle to regain the advantage over Ferrari.
The podcast was recorded to mark Mercedes AMG HPP’s receipt of the 2019 Motor Sport Editor’s Choice Hall of Fame award.
The team of more than 500 individuals joins legendary names in our prestigious league of all-time greats. Previous inductees include the Porsche 917, Enzo Ferrari, Ron Dennis and Sir Frank Williams, along with drivers of the calibre of Sir Stirling Moss, Juan Manuel Fangio, Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna.