Mercedes Confirm John Owen Exit Later In The Year After Two-Decade Association

Last Updated:January 20, 2026, 17:52 IST

Owen, who has been part of the Brackley unit since the year 2007, played a crucial role in the side clinching nine constructors' championship titles.

John Owen. (X)

F1 outfit Mercedes announced that Director of car design, John Owen, is set for a departure from the side later in the year after nearly two decades of association.

Owen, who has been part of the Brackley unit since the year 2007, played a crucial role in the side clinching nine constructors’ championship titles.

Reports suggest Giacomo Tortora is set for a promotion in an attempt to replace the veteran Owen, who is set to play his final role at the club with his work on the W17.

The team won both titles as Brawn in 2009, and Owen served as chief designer at Mercedes following the German manufacturer’s purchase of the team at the end of that year. He has been Director of Car Design since 2023.

Mercedes won eight consecutive constructors’ titles from 2014 to 2021. Last season, they finished runners-up to McLaren, who also use Mercedes engines.

“We can confirm that John Owen 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 ensuring the transition to his successor," the team said in a statement.

Owen has been involved in designing every Mercedes F1 car except the W196 from 1954, a team spokesman added. This year’s W17 will be the 17th car he has had overall responsibility for.

News sports formula-one Mercedes Confirm John Owen Exit Later In The Year After Two-Decade Association

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