Mercedes has announced the departure of long-time F1 chief car designer John Owen.
The 52-year-old aerodynamicist has been with Honda and Brawn Racing since 2007 and has been an integral part of nine constructors’ and eight drivers’ championships over the past 19 years.
advertise
While the design of the 2026 car has long been in the works, with fine-tuning the main priority now and three testing windows remaining before the Australian season opener on March 8, Owen’s exit still comes as a surprise just six weeks into the new season.
The team confirmed the position will be filled internally, with engineering director Giacomo Tortora becoming the team’s new car design director, with deputy technical director Simone Resta (ex-Scuderia Ferrari) overseeing the team.
A statement read: “We can confirm that our car design director, John Owen, has decided now is the right time to take a break from F1 and, having secured a transition to his successor, will leave the team later this year to embark on a gardening break.
“John has been with our Brackley team since 2007 and has been instrumental in our success.
Mercedes F1 design chief John Irving to leave the team later this year (Mercedes Formula 1 Team)
“He has been a key figure in nine Constructors’ Championships during his time here and this year’s W17 marks the 17th car he has had full responsibility for designing.
advertise
“We wish John all the best for the future and thank him for the important role he has played in the team’s success.”
Mercedes will reveal renderings of this year’s W17 car on Thursday, while the official 2026 launch with drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will take place on Monday, February 2.
All 11 teams will take part in private testing in Barcelona next week.
