mobile app bar

Max Verstappen and Co. Failed To Lure Mercedes’ Title Winning Top Brass Engineer

Sabyasachi Biswas
Published

Max Verstappen and Co. Failed To Lure Mercedes’ Title Winning Top Brass Engineer

Max Verstappen and his team made a failed approach to lure the former Mercedes engine chief. Red Bull’s effort to bring in famous engineer Andy Cowell for their power unit met with a futile outcome, as per Helmut Marko. Cowell was an instrumental figure in the Silver Arrows post-hybrid era.

According to Racingnews365, Marko said to formel1.de that the talks with the former Mercedes man did not work out. The British engineer left Brackley midway through the 2020 season and was not interested in having a deal with another F1 team.

The Mercedes engine expert, who now has his eyes on something else, has been a top man for them from 2014 to 2020. During this time, he won almost all the possible silverware for the team. Notably, the engineer helped develop an F1 engine in 2014 that was regarded as the very best in the sport.

With the engine, the Brackley-based team won 16 out of all 19 races that season. Given the humongous talent and experience the British engineer possess, having his service would have naturally given the Milton-Keynes-based team an impetus.

Demand for engine specialists is more than ever, says Marko

With the 2026 regulations in place and the increased number of engine manufacturers, the demand for engine specialists in F1 teams is sky-high. Especially for the teams that agreed to supply power units from 2026 such as Mercedes, Ferrari, Renault [Alpine], Honda, Red Bull – Ford, newcomer Audi, and Porsche who also showed interest to join the bandwagon.

The Austrian team made a pact with the American automobile giants, but lacks the optimum level of personnel as yet, said Marko. However, they are not far from reaching the target with Ford’s allegiance.

Also Read: Christian Horner Hits Back at Lewis Hamilton Fans Over Cheating Allegations; Says He’s an ‘Antichrist’ for 7xF1 Champ’s Followers

Not Red Bull, the taskmaster believes Ferrari has the fastest engine

The Red Bull veteran believes the Prancing Horse currently has the fastest engine on the grid. Followed by them are Honda and Mercedes. Renault, who supplies the engine to Alpine has the slowest engine in the lot.

Honda helped with their technical expertise to help Red Bull build their powertrains in Milton Keynes. Honda left the sport after the 2021 season and is waiting in the wings to make a comeback in 2026.

Also Read: Fernando Alonso Makes Roaring Promise to Fan to Finish What Max Verstappen Couldn’t at Saudi Arabian GP

About the author

Sabyasachi Biswas

Sabyasachi Biswas

linkedin-icon

Sabyasachi Biswas is an F1 journalist at The SportsRush. With over one and a half decades of love for the sport and five years of experience in the field, he dreams to be a regular at the paddock when the lights go out. A Red Bull fan and F1 fan in general over the years, he enjoyed watching Felipe Massa, Sebastian Vettel, and Max Verstappen dominate the track. Apart from F1, he's also a big-time Madridista and Federer fanatic. He was a sub-junior level footballer, won inter-district quizzes and debate competitions back in school. A travel freak throughout, he tries different cuisines and learns new cultures whenever he's away from the keyboard.

Share this article