Owen will remain in his position until mid-season to oversee the transition process

Mercedes have confirmed that John Owen, their Director of Car Design, will depart the Brackley-based squad later this year following an extraordinary tenure spanning nearly two decades.

The 52-year-old has opted to step away from Formula 1, with the team stating he will enter a period of gardening leave once a smooth handover to his replacement has been completed.

Mercedes released a statement on Tuesday confirming the designer’s departure, who was at the team during the period when Lewis Hamilton found success.

It read: “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.”

Owen will remain in his position until mid-season to oversee the transition process.

Owen’s journey with the team began in 2007 when he joined as a principal aerodynamicist during the Honda era, having previously worked at Sauber as an aerodynamicist from 2002.

He secured his first constructors’ title when the outfit transformed into Brawn GP and claimed both championships in 2009.

Following Mercedes’ acquisition of Brawn at the end of that season, Owen was appointed chief designer in 2010 and subsequently elevated to Director of Car Design in 2023.

Mercedes have confirmed that John Owen, their Director of Car Design, will leave following an extraordinary tenure spanning nearly two decades

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Throughout his tenure, he contributed to nine constructors’ titles and oversaw the design of 17 cars, including the forthcoming W17 for the 2026 campaign.

Giacomo Tortora, currently serving as engineering director, will step into Owen’s role through an internal promotion.

Tortora has established a close working relationship with technical director James Allison and deputy technical director Simone Resta, who will oversee the car design group.

The team said: “John has been with our Brackley team since 2007 and played a considerable role in our success.”

John Owen has opted to step away from Formula 1

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They added: “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.”

Owen’s departure arrives as Formula 1 prepares for a significant regulatory overhaul in 2026.

Mercedes will unveil renders of their W17 challenger on January 22, followed by a digital launch event on February 2.

Owen’s departure arrives as Formula 1 prepares for a significant regulatory overhaul in 2026

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The new campaign gets underway in Melbourne on March 8, preceded by three pre-season testing sessions.

The first takes place behind closed doors at Barcelona from January 26-30.

Two further tests are scheduled in Bahrain on February 11-13 and 18-20.

Last season, Mercedes finished as runners-up to McLaren, who also utilise Mercedes power units.