Mercedes Director of Car Design John Owen to Step Down After 2026 Project

John Owen, the director of car design at Mercedes and a key architect of the team's modern era success, is set to step down later this year. Having finalized the design for the crucial 2026 car, Owen will depart following a transition period, with engineering director Giacomo Tortora promoted to take over his responsibilities.

Why it matters:

Owen's exit represents a significant change in the technical hierarchy at Brackley just as the team gears up for the massive regulatory overhaul in 2026. His departure follows a strategic restructuring designed to optimize performance under the cost cap, ensuring that the team's design leadership remains sharp and focused for the next era of competition.

The details:

• A Legacy of Success: Owen joined the outfit in 2007 during its Honda days and survived the transitions to Brawn GP and Mercedes. He served as chief designer from 2010 before becoming director of car design in 2023, overseeing the creation of all the team's championship-winning cars.
• Strategic Reshuffle: His 2023 promotion was part of a reorganization by technical director James Allison to insulate key creative talent from administrative burdens. This allowed Owen to focus purely on design while Tortora handled organizational development.
• The 2026 Handoff: Owen decided the time was right to leave after signing off on the 2026 car, marking the 17th design he has managed for the manufacturer.
• Succession Plan: Mercedes has promoted Tortora to director of car design, reporting directly to deputy technical director Simone Resta. Owen will stay until mid-season to ensure a smooth handover before taking a career break.

The big picture:

Beyond technical achievements, Owen was a guardian of the team's culture at Brackley. He often credited the "safe environment" and inspirational atmosphere as the unique differentiator that allowed Mercedes to sustain success. As Tortora steps up, maintaining this internal ethos will be as critical as the aerodynamic performance of the upcoming 2026 machine.