Mercedes F1 Design Chief John Owen to Depart Mid-Season Amid Major Regulation Shift
Mercedes have confirmed that their esteemed lead car designer, John Owen, will be leaving the team during the upcoming Formula One season. This significant announcement comes as the sport enters a pivotal year of major regulatory changes, marking the end of an influential chapter for the Brackley-based outfit.
A Key Architect of Mercedes' Dominance
John Owen has been an instrumental figure in Mercedes' unparalleled success throughout the modern turbo hybrid era. His technical expertise and design leadership were crucial in securing eight consecutive constructors' championships for the team, alongside seven drivers' championships between 2014 and 2021. Owen's remarkable career with the marque spans responsibility for seventeen cars, including the forthcoming 2026 entry, the W17.
Mercedes stated in an official release: "John has been with our Brackley team since 2007 and played a considerable role in our success. He has been a key part of nine constructors' championships across the time he has worked here. 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."
Transition and Future Plans
There are currently no indications that Owen intends to join another Formula One team immediately. Mercedes has outlined that he will continue in his role until mid-season to oversee a managed transition process. Following this, he will enter a period of gardening leave before taking what the team described as "a break from F1."
Internally, Mercedes will promote engineering director Giacomo Tortora to the position of director of car design. Tortora already maintains a close working relationship with technical director James Allison and deputy technical director Simone Resta, who oversees the design group, ensuring continuity within the technical department.
Owen's Illustrious Career Trajectory
John Owen began his Formula One career as an aerodynamicist with the Sauber team. He joined the Honda works team in 2007 as a principal aerodynamicist, remaining with the outfit as it transitioned to Brawn GP in 2009, where he secured his first constructors' title. Upon Mercedes' takeover of Brawn in 2010, Owen was appointed chief designer, a role he held as the team ascended to dominance. His promotion to director of car design came in 2023.
Throughout his tenure, Owen was renowned within the sport for his exceptional abilities and talent, though he maintained a notably low public profile, focusing intensely on delivering the most competitive car possible for the team.
Audi's Entry and the New F1 Landscape
The announcement coincides with Audi's historic entry into Formula One. The German manufacturer will unveil its first car, the R26, at an event in Berlin on Tuesday evening. Audi has taken over the Sauber team and is manufacturing its own engine to comply with the new regulations.
The Audi F1 project will be led by team principal Jonathan Wheatley, with former Ferrari principal Mattia Binotto serving as head of the project. Drivers Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto will pilot the cars for the nascent team.
Upcoming Season Schedule
The new Formula One season is scheduled to commence in Melbourne on March 8th. It will be preceded by three critical pre-season tests:
- A behind-closed-doors session at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya from January 26th to 30th.
- Two further tests at the Bahrain International Circuit on February 11th-13th and February 18th-20th.
These tests will provide the first real-world data on how teams, including a Mercedes in transition and a new Audi entry, are adapting to the sweeping regulatory changes set to redefine the competitive order for the coming era.
