Mercedes Formula 1 team has announced that long-serving Director of Car Design John Owen will leave his role later this year. Owen, who joined the Brackley-based squad in 2007, played a key part in multiple championship successes. His departure follows a decision to take a break from the sport after ensuring a smooth transition.
Mercedes' Formula 1 team confirmed on Tuesday that John Owen, their Director of Car Design, has resigned and will depart over the course of the 2026 season. The announcement detailed that Owen chose to take a break from F1, assisting with the handover to his successor before entering a period of gardening leave later this year.
Owen's tenure with the team began in 2007 during its Honda era. He remained through the 2009 rebranding to Brawn GP, serving as principal aerodynamicist and contributing to that year's Drivers' and Constructors' Championships. When the team was acquired by Mercedes in 2010, Owen advanced to chief designer, overseeing the development of all 17 of the marque's F1 cars, including the upcoming 2026 W17.
His work was instrumental in Mercedes' dominance, securing eight consecutive Constructors' titles from 2014 to 2021 and seven Drivers' Championships from 2014 to 2020, in addition to the 2009 successes under Brawn GP. A team statement highlighted his impact: "John has been with our Brackley team since 2007 and played a considerable role in our success. He has been a key part of 9 Constructors' Championships across the time he has worked here."
The role will be filled internally, with current Engineering Director Giacomo Tortora stepping up as the new Director of Car Design. Deputy Technical Director Simone Resta will oversee the design group. Mercedes expressed gratitude, stating: "We wish John all the very best for the future and thank him for the considerable role he has played in the team's success."
This change comes as Mercedes prepares for the 2026 regulations, with renders of the W17 car scheduled for reveal on January 22, followed by a digital launch on February 2.
