Mercedes chief designer John Owen is set to leave the Formula 1 team later this year, ending an 18-year spell with the organisation.
The 52-year-old joined the team in 2007 when it competed as Honda and went on to play a central role in one of the most successful eras in Formula 1 history. Owen was part of the technical leadership during Brawn GP’s fairytale championship-winning season in 2009 and remained a key figure after the team became Mercedes in 2010.
Under his tenure, the team won one drivers’ and constructors’ title as Brawn, followed by seven drivers’ championships and eight constructors’ championships as Mercedes between 2014 and 2021.
In a statement, Mercedes said Owen would depart “after assuring the transition to his successor” and would then spend a period on gardening leave. No details were given regarding his next career move.
As part of the restructure, engineering director Giacomo Tortora will step into the role of director of car design. He will work within a design group overseen by deputy technical director Simone Resta.
Before joining Honda, Owen worked at the Swiss-based Sauber team, where he rose to the position of senior aerodynamicist in 2004. He began his career in motorsport at the now-defunct racing car manufacturer Reynard.
Owen’s departure marks another significant change for Mercedes as the team continues to reshape its technical leadership ahead of future seasons.
