20 January 2026Racingnews365Race reportDriver Ratings
Mercedes confirms departure of long‑serving car design director John Owen
Mercedes said director of car design John Owen, who joined in 2007 and contributed to nine straight Constructors’ titles, will depart this year. Giacomo Tortora will be promoted to replace him as the team prepares to unveil the W17, its 2026‑spec car.
Mercedes announced John Owen, director of car design since 2007, will leave the team this year. Owen helped deliver nine straight Constructors’ titles and oversaw the W17, a 2026‑spec car, before handing the role to his successor.
Why it matters:
- Owen’s designs have been the backbone of Mercedes’ dominance, shaping every winning car since the hybrid era began.
- The handover arrives as Mercedes finalises its 2026 package; continuity will be crucial under the new rules.
The details:
- Tenure – Joined in 2007 as Honda, stayed through Mercedes' era, exiting after 2025.
- Championship impact – Designed the aero packages that powered nine straight titles (2014‑2022).
- W17 – Overall design lead for the W17, Mercedes’ first 2026‑regulation car.
- Succession – Engineering director Giacomo Tortora promoted to director of car design; deputy technical director Simone Resta stays to oversee the group.
What's next:
- The W17 livery and technical reveal next week will be the first public look at the car Owen helped shape.
- Tortora’s first challenge will be guiding the design team through the 2026 regulation rollout, testing Mercedes’ talent pipeline.
- Observers will watch if the new leadership can sustain the performance edge that defined the Silver Arrows for nearly a decade.