Senior Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko has admitted that former Mercedes F1 engine chief Andy Cowell would be a “good option” to lead their new powertrain division.
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However, the Austrian stressed that he believes Cowell isn’t currently interested in returning to F1, echoing what Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said last month when asked about their interest in the ex-Mercedes F1 engine chief.
“We are always talking. It would be a good option, but it’s not on the table at the moment,” Dr Marko said.
Red Bull formed a powertrain division last month after striking a deal to use rebranded Honda engines in 2022 and beyond, following the sport agreeing a freeze on engine development from next year.
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Hot on the heels of this development, Horner was asked about the possibility of Red Bull headhunting Cowell to help them develop their engine.
“What he’s achieved obviously in the recent 10 years of the sport has been mightily impressive,” he replied.
“He was obviously a lynchpin of what Mercedes and HPP have delivered.
“I think he’s obviously chosen to pursue, I think, other activities outside of Formula 1.
“But of course, as far as engines are concerned, he’s been the guy that has delivered year on year.
“But my understanding is that his interests currently lay outside of Formula 1.”
Continuing, the Red Bull team principal said: “Obviously we will inherit the vast majority of HRD UK, which is the operational side of Honda, based in Milton Keynes.
“So that gives us a standing start, in that already all the people we already know and interface with, we’ll look to take under the new company.
“Then we are in the process of setting out some of the other roles that will be filled in the next coming weeks and months.
“But I think the agreement we’ve achieved with Honda just buys us time to assemble the right group of people,” Horner added.
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