Mercedes Director of Car Design John Owen to leave team in 2026

John Owen, the Director of Car Design at Mercedes, will leave the team later in 2026 to take a break from Formula 1. His departure comes after a 25-year career in the sport, during which he played a pivotal role in the team's evolution from the Honda and Brawn GP eras to its modern dominance.

Why it matters:

Owen has been a cornerstone of Mercedes' engineering structure, contributing to multiple championship-winning campaigns. His exit represents a significant shift in the team's technical leadership just as they navigate the new 2026 regulatory era. While the team is promoting from within to maintain continuity, the loss of such institutional knowledge is a notable change for the Brackley outfit.

The details:

• Career Trajectory: Owen began his F1 journey at Sauber in 2001 as an Aerodynamicist before moving to the Brackley-based squad in 2007. He was a Principal Aerodynamicist during Brawn GP’s miraculous 2009 title victory and served as Chief Designer when Mercedes re-entered the sport as a works team in 2010.
• Recent Role: He was appointed Director of Car Design in 2023, overseeing the conceptual and structural development of the Silver Arrows.
• Succession Plan: Mercedes has moved quickly to fill the vacancy, appointing Giacomo Tortora as the new Director of Car Design. Tortora will report to Deputy Technical Director Simone Resta, ensuring the design group remains under experienced stewardship.

Looking ahead:

Owen is expected to serve a period of gardening leave following his departure later this year. His decision to step away highlights the intense pressure and workload within top-tier F1 teams. For Mercedes, the focus now shifts to ensuring a seamless transition as they continue to develop their 2026 challenger and beyond.