Mercedes confirms resignation of its lead F1 car designer

Mercedes' long-serving lead designer John Owen has resigned from his role, the Formula 1 team has confirmed.

The Silver Arrows announced on Tuesday morning that Owen will depart over the course of the 2026 season, relinquishing his role of director of car design.

According to the team, Owen made the decision to take a break from F1 and will assist with the transition of his successor before commencing his gardening leave period later this year.

Owen joined the Brackley squad in 2007 and was an integral part of Mercedes' eight constructors' titles (2014-21) and seven drivers' championships (2014-20).

Podium: race winner Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG, second place Nico Rosberg, Mercedes AMG, third place Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing and John Owen, Chief Designer, Mercedes AMG

Photo by: Steve Etherington / Motorsport Images

Having previously served as an aerodynamicist at Sauber, Owen joined the team in its Honda days and stayed on for the title-winning 2009 Brawn GP campaign as principal aerodynamicist.

The Briton was subsequently appointed chief designer when the team was bought by Mercedes and was in charge of car design for each of the marque's 17 F1 cars, including the 2026 W17.

Mercedes said: "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.

"John's role will be filled through internal promotion. Giacomo Tortora (currently our engineering director) will become the team's new director of car design, with deputy technical director Simone Resta overseeing this group."