Mercedes confirmed the departure of director of car design John Owen after nearly two decades of service, post the end of the 2026 F1 season.
After a report on Owen leaving Mercedes at the end of the F1 2026 season, the German outfit confirmed the same with additional information. The director of car designer has decided to take a break from the sport and will begin a period of gardening later in the year.
While the report stated end of 2026, Mercedes did not mention a date of leaving, but highlighted that he will be able to help in transition to his successor, who will be Giacomo Tortora (Engineering Director). It is an internal promotion, with Deputy Technical Director Simone Resta overseeing the group.
Owen joined the team based in Brackley back in 2007 when it ran as Honda. He was there for the transition to Brawn GP, when it won the F1 title in 2009. He was also there for the transition to Mercedes, when it won the championships from 2014 to 2021, to make it nine constructors’ title in all.
The 2026’s W17 – which will be revealed on January 22 – will be his 17th car. “We can confirm that John Owen, our Director of Car Design, has decided that now is the right time to take a break from F1 and that he will be leaving the team later this year to begin a period of gardening leave, after assuring the transition to his successor,” Mercedes stated. “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.”
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