John Owen to depart Mercedes after nearly two decades
Mercedes has confirmed that John Owen, their Director of Car Design, will leave the Brackley-based team later this year following an extraordinary tenure spanning nearly two decades, reports BritPanorama.
The 52-year-old has chosen to step back from Formula 1, with the team announcing he will enter a period of gardening leave once a smooth transition to his successor has been completed.
Owen’s departure was officially communicated in a statement released on Tuesday. The statement noted his significant role during a period marked by Lewis Hamilton’s considerable success. It read: “We can confirm that John Owen, our Director of Car Design, has decided that now is the right time to take a break from F1.”
He will remain in his position until mid-season to oversee the transition process. Owen’s association with the team began in 2007 when he joined as a principal aerodynamicist during the Honda era, after previously working at Sauber from 2002. He notably secured his first constructors’ title when the team transformed into Brawn GP in 2009, achieving both championships that year.
After Mercedes acquired Brawn at the end of that season, Owen was appointed chief designer in 2010 and elevated to Director of Car Design in 2023. Throughout his tenure, he contributed to nine constructors’ titles and oversaw the design of 17 cars, including the forthcoming W17 for the 2026 campaign.
Giacomo Tortora, currently engineering director, will step into Owen’s role through an internal promotion. Tortora has established a close working relationship with technical director James Allison and deputy technical director Simone Resta, who will oversee the car design group. The team stated: “John has been with our Brackley team since 2007 and played a considerable role in our success.”
Owen’s departure comes as Formula 1 prepares for a significant regulatory overhaul in 2026. Mercedes is set to unveil renders of their W17 challenger on January 22, followed by a digital launch event on February 2. This transition marks a pivotal moment, as the team aims to adapt to evolving technical regulations while navigating a competitive field.
As the new season approaches, which kicks off in Melbourne on March 8, the team will have to overcome the challenge of adjusting to changes both in personnel and regulations. Pre-season testing will begin behind closed doors at Barcelona from January 26-30, followed by sessions in Bahrain on February 11-13 and February 18-20. Last season, Mercedes finished as runners-up to McLaren, who also utilise Mercedes power units.
In a sport defined by constant change, Owen’s departure serves as a reminder of the human element behind the technology. As teams evolve, the blend of engineering prowess and personal stories will continue to shape Formula 1.
