The Mercedes Formula 1 team is set to lose a pivotal figure from its dominant era, with lead car designer John Owen confirming his departure during the upcoming season. The move comes as the sport prepares for a significant shift in technical regulations.
Owen, who has maintained a low public profile, has been a central architect of Mercedes’ unprecedented success. He joined the team’s predecessor, Brawn GP, in 2009 and remained through its transition to Mercedes, contributing to a remarkable nine Constructors’ Championships. His design leadership was instrumental in the team’s eight consecutive title wins from 2014 to 2021.
In a statement, Mercedes confirmed Owen will remain in his role until mid-season to oversee the transition before taking a break from the sport. The team has not indicated his next destination. He will be succeeded by current Engineering Director Giacomo Tortora, who will assume the role of Director of Car Design.
The announcement coincides with heightened activity across the paddock ahead of the new campaign. In a separate development, the Audi F1 project officially unveiled the livery for its debut car, the R26, at an event in Berlin. The German manufacturer, which has taken over the Sauber team, is entering the championship for the first time and has set an ambitious target of winning titles by 2030.
Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley acknowledged the scale of the challenge. “You don’t beat teams like Ferrari, Red Bull, Mercedes and McLaren just by turning up,” he stated. “You need a plan. Our plan is to be a challenger, then a competitor, and then a champion.”
Technical Director James Key echoed the determined optimism, citing a clear and structured long-term strategy for the team’s ascent. Audi is also developing its own power unit in-house for the new regulatory cycle.
The 2026 F1 season is scheduled to commence in Melbourne on March 8th, following a series of pre-season tests in Barcelona and Bahrain throughout January and February.
