Full Breakdown
John Owen to Depart Mercedes F1 Team Amid Regulatory Changes
1/21/2026, 12:07:38 AM
Departure Announcement and Transition Plan
Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team has confirmed that John Owen, the director of car design, will leave the team later in the 2026 season. Owen, who has been with the team since its Honda days in 2007, has played a pivotal role in the team's success, contributing to nine Constructors' Championships, including one with Brawn GP in 2009 and eight with Mercedes from 2014 to 2021. Following his departure, Owen will assist in the transition to his successor, Giacomo Tortora, currently the engineering director, who will take over the role of director of car design. Deputy technical director Simone Resta will oversee the design group.
Owen's Career and Contributions
John Owen's career in Formula 1 began at Sauber in 2001, where he served as an aerodynamicist before joining Honda in 2007. He was instrumental in Brawn GP's championship-winning car in 2009 and became chief designer when Mercedes acquired the team in 2010. Under his leadership, Mercedes dominated the sport during the turbo-hybrid era, winning every Constructors' Championship from 2014 to 2021. Owen's design innovations included the dual-axis steering system (DAS), which was utilized in the 2020 season before being banned by the FIA.
In 2023, Owen was promoted to director of car design, a role that allowed him to focus more on car design after a period of organizational restructuring due to F1's cost cap regulations. The upcoming W17, which he has designed, will be the 17th car he has overseen for Mercedes.
Official Statements and Responses
In a statement, Mercedes expressed gratitude for Owen's contributions: “John 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.” The team emphasized that Owen's decision to take a break from F1 comes at a time when they are preparing for significant regulatory changes in the sport.
Criticism and Opposition
While Owen's departure marks the end of an era for Mercedes, some analysts have raised concerns about the timing of his exit, particularly as the team prepares for a new season under revised technical regulations. Critics argue that losing a key figure like Owen could impact the team's ability to adapt to these changes effectively.
What's Next for Mercedes
As the 2026 F1 season approaches, Mercedes is gearing up for a fresh start with the new W17 car, set to be unveiled on January 22, 2026. The team aims to reclaim its competitive edge after a challenging period during the ground-effect era, where it struggled to maintain its previous dominance. The season will kick off in Melbourne on March 8, 2026, following three pre-season tests in Barcelona and Bahrain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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.” — Mercedes Statement
- “John has been with our Brackley team since 2007 and played a considerable role in our success,” — Mercedes Statement
- “It takes them quite a number of months to really settle in and think, ‘no, you really are in a safe environment’.” — John Owen
Owen's departure signifies a pivotal moment for Mercedes as they navigate the evolving landscape of Formula 1, with hopes of returning to the forefront of the sport.
