Mercedes confirm departure of long‑time design chief John Owen
Mercedes have announced that John Owen, the team’s long‑serving Director of Car Design, will leave the Brackley operation later this year. His departure brings an end to a tenure that stretches back to 2007, when he joined the outfit during its Honda era.
Owen remained through the team’s transformation into Brawn GP, contributing to the remarkable 2009 season that delivered both world titles.
When Mercedes took over in 2010, he became a central figure in the organisation’s technical structure, ultimately overseeing the design of 17 Formula One cars. His work underpinned the team’s unprecedented run of eight consecutive Constructors’ Championships and seven Drivers’ titles during the hybrid‑era dominance of the 2010s.
In a statement, Mercedes said Owen had “decided that now is the right time to take a break from F1” and will enter a period of gardening leave after supporting the transition to his successor.
The team highlighted his “considerable role” in their sustained success and noted that the upcoming W17 will be the final car produced under his overall design responsibility.
Mercedes will fill the position through internal promotion. Engineering Director Giacomo Tortora will step up to become the new Director of Car Design, while Deputy Technical Director Simone Resta will oversee the design group as part of the revised structure.
The Silver Arrows plan to release renders of the 2026 W17 on January 22, followed by a digital launch event on February 2.
