Mercedes will part ways with its chief designer John Owen during the 2026 season: The British designer, who has been with the team for almost 20 years, is planning to take a career break.
Mercedes has to part ways with one of its most important minds: On Tuesday morning, the racing team confirmed that long-time chief designer John Owen has decided to take a career break. The 52-year-old Brit will leave the team during the 2026 season.
Owen will remain with Mercedes for the time being to ensure an orderly transition to his successor. His successor has already been named: Giacomo Tortora, who previously worked alongside Owen as engineering director in the design department, will now take over as the new director of car design. Tortora had already held this role since 2023, when Mercedes restructured several key positions within the team. Owen retained his position as chief designer at the time, but Tortora took on a significant amount of his workload.
Now the Italian is taking over Owen’s role completely.
“We wish John all the best for the future and thank him for the significant role he has played in the team’s success,” Mercedes said in a statement. Owen began his Formula 1 career at BMW Sauber and joined the current Mercedes team in 2007, when it was still Honda.
John Owen involved in BrawnGP’s success in 2009
In the 2009 season, Owen worked as chief aerodynamicist for BrawnGP, helping the team to a surprise world championship triumph with Jenson Button. After Mercedes took over the team, Owen was appointed chief designer.
The Briton was responsible for the design of all 17 Mercedes Formula 1 cars, including the W17 for the 2026 season, and contributed to eight world championship titles together with the team. The loss of the 52-year-old is therefore likely to hit Mercedes hard.
“John’s role will be filled by an internal promotion,” Mercedes added. “Giacomo Tortora (currently Engineering Director) will become the new Director of Vehicle Design, while Deputy Technical Director Simone Resta will oversee this group.”
