Mercedes Lead Designer John Owen Departs After Nearly Two Decades

John Owen, the lead car designer at Mercedes, is leaving the Brackley-based outfit after nearly two decades to take a sabbatical from Formula 1. Owen joined the team in 2007 when it was known as Honda, surviving the transition to Brawn GP and the subsequent Mercedes era, and held overall design responsibility for 17 different machines including the new W17.

Why it matters:

Owen’s departure represents a significant loss of institutional knowledge for a team that has defined the modern era of the sport. As the architect behind nine Constructors' Championships, his exit comes at a critical juncture as Mercedes aims to reclaim top spot in the fiercely competitive 2026 season. Ensuring a seamless technical handover is paramount to avoid any performance dip during this regulatory cycle.

The details:

• Legacy of Success: Owen was a key figure in the 2009 Brawn GP double championship and the Mercedes dynasty that won eight consecutive Constructors' titles and seven Drivers' titles.
• New Leadership: Giacomo Tortora, the current Engineering Director, has been promoted to Director of Car Design to fill Owen's shoes. He will report to Simone Resta, the Deputy Technical Director, maintaining a strong chain of command.
• Transition Period: Owen will remain to assist in the transition to his successor before beginning his gardening leave later in 2026.

What's next:

The show must go on for the Silver Arrows. Despite the high-profile exit, the team remains on schedule for its 2026 campaign. Mercedes is set to reveal the first renders of the W17 this Thursday, with the official digital launch of the car scheduled for February 2.