F1 | Mercedes enters a new chapter after the departure of a nine-title technical leader. F1 | End of an era at Mercedes as John Owen departs and Giacomo Tortora takes charge.

Mercedes is preparing to say goodbye to one of the key figures behind its recent success, with the announcement arriving on the eve of the 2026 Formula 1 season.

In the world of Formula 1, time never truly moves in a straight line. Seasons follow one another at a relentless pace, regulations change, cars evolve, yet what often remains in the background is the quiet work of those who, far from the spotlight, lay the foundations for success. At Brackley, the headquarters of Mercedes-AMG F1, a technical culture based on continuity, method and long-term vision has been firmly established over the years. It is within this context that a significant transition now takes place, one that marks the end of an era.

A farewell at the top

After more than fifteen years, John Owen has decided that the time has come to step away from Formula 1. The Car Design Director will leave the team later this year to begin a period of gardening leave, first ensuring a smooth and orderly transition to his successor. Having joined Mercedes in 2007, Owen has been a central figure throughout the team’s extraordinary winning trajectory.

His contribution is deeply intertwined with the numbers that define Mercedes’ golden era: nine Constructors’ Championships secured in 2009 and from 2014 to 2021, and no fewer than seventeen cars designed under his overall responsibility, including the current W17. This journey reflects not only sporting success, but also the ability to adapt to complex regulatory cycles and to an ever-changing set of technical challenges.

The team paid tribute to Owen by thanking him for the fundamental role he played in achieving these results and by wishing him all the best for the future. At the same time, Mercedes has reaffirmed its confidence in its internal structure. The role of Car Design Director will be taken on by Giacomo Tortora, the current Engineering Director, while Deputy Technical Director Simone Resta will oversee the area.

It is a passing of the baton carried out in the name of continuity, yet one that closes an important chapter in recent Formula 1 history. At Brackley, the focus now turns to the future, with the awareness that some contributions, even when made behind the scenes, leave an indelible mark.