Ever since Mercedes’ Ben Hodgkinson made the sensational move to rival team, Red Bull Racing, the likelihood of more such engineers following a similar footstep grew up a notch. And one name that stood on top of the list was former F1 engineer, Andy Cowell.
The Briton was one of the most essential parts of the Mercedes AMG High-Performance Powertrains division, which guided the works team to six constructor titles in the last 11 years. However, Cowell bid adieu to the Stuttgart outfit in January 2021, seeking a new challenge.
Hence, considering his availability, rumors suggested that the ex-engine chief could return to F1, taking up a role in Red Bull. So, how far is it practical in reality?
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Well, Red Bull’s team principal, Christian Horner, finally revealed the answer. The Briton has lessened the chances of the team roping in Cowell for the 2022 season.
Furthermore, Horner clarified that Andy’s interests have gone past F1 and, he is now swarming around other ventures. But what’s interesting is that Red Bull doesn’t seem to be too concerned about failing to hire Cowell. Moreover, Horner hinted at some exciting news approaching in the coming weeks.
Andy is keen to pursue other activities: Red Bull boss
Speaking to Sky Sports, Horner opened up that Cowell is not keen on returning to F1 amid Red Bull‘s exciting new journey with the power units.
“Andy is a tremendously talented engineer. I think everything he’s achieved in Formula 1 speaks for itself,” he said. “But Andy is keen to pursue other activities, other ventures. Obviously, that’s his priority at this point in time.
“But we’re attracting some great talent. And looking forward to making some announcements in due course as we build this venture.”
Red Bull have been quite busy at their global headquarters in Milton Keynes, building up a whole new division for an engine project.
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The Austrian outfit, for the first time since their F1 entry, will be manufacturing their own power units from the wake of the 2022 F1 season.
And amid such an enormous gamble, things seem to be consolidating pretty well for the entire team, with Mercedes‘ engineer taking up the lead role in the Powertrains division. What’s more is that Red Bull have hinted at more such engineers joining the factory.
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Too much positive news revolving around the team at the moment. So, will Red Bull manage to build a team strong enough to rekindle their dominance, come 2022? Only time will tell.
Read More: Mercedes F1 Reportedly Panicking Amid Hodgkinson’s Switch to Red Bull