**title**: Mercedes Confirms Exit of Lead Car Designer John Owen

summary: Mercedes announced that long‑time car design director John Owen will leave by the end of 2026, ending his 17‑year stint that delivered eight constructors’ titles. Giacomo Tortora will take over.

content:

Mercedes has confirmed that John Owen, the team’s long‑standing director of car design, will leave the Silver Arrows by the end of the 2026 season. Owen, who joined the Brackley outfit in 2007, will hand over his duties during a transition period before taking gardening leave later this year.

Why it matters:

• Owen helped shape eight consecutive constructors’ titles (2014‑21) and seven drivers’ championships (2014‑20).
• His departure ends an era of continuity in Mercedes’ technical leadership, potentially affecting the development direction of the 2027 car.
• The internal promotion of Giacomo Tortora signals Mercedes’ desire to keep the design philosophy in‑house rather than bring in external influence.

The details:

• Joined Mercedes in its Honda era, after a stint as an aerodynamicist at Sauber.
• Served as principal aerodynamicist for the 2009 Brawn GP title win before becoming chief designer after Mercedes’ acquisition.
• Oversaw design of all 17 Mercedes F1 cars to date, including the 2026 W17.
• Will assist in transitioning his successor, with engineering director Giacomo Tortora set to become the new director of car design and deputy technical director Simone Resta overseeing the group.

What's next:

The Silver Arrows will rely on Tortora’s engineering background and Resta’s technical oversight to maintain the performance trajectory that has defined the team for a decade. While the change could bring fresh ideas, Mercedes’ tight development schedule for the 2027 season means the new leadership will need to hit the ground running.