Formula 1: Mercedes Designer John Owen Leaves Team
- Mercedes-Benz announced that chief designer John Owen will leave the Formula One team later in 2024.
- Owen played a pivotal role in the team's success under multiple guises.He was instrumental in the championship-winning season with Brawn GP in 2009, and subsequently contributed to seven...
- Mercedes has outlined a succession plan to ensure a smooth transition.
John Owen’s Departure from Mercedes
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Mercedes-Benz announced that chief designer John Owen will leave the Formula One team later in 2024. The move marks the end of a seventeen-year tenure that began with the team’s iteration as Honda in 2007. Mercedes official statement
A Legacy of Championship Success
Owen played a pivotal role in the team’s success under multiple guises.He was instrumental in the championship-winning season with Brawn GP in 2009, and subsequently contributed to seven Drivers’ Championships and eight Constructors’ Championships achieved as Mercedes from 2014 to 2021. Formula 1 – Mercedes Team Profile
Succession Plan and New Roles
Mercedes has outlined a succession plan to ensure a smooth transition. Engineering director Giacomo Tortora will assume the role of director of car design. This department will be overseen by deputy technical director Simone Resta. Mercedes official statement
Early Career and Background
Prior to joining Honda, Owen honed his skills at the Swiss Sauber team, where he served as senior aerodynamicist starting in 2004. His career began with the now-defunct racing-car manufacturer, Reynard. Motorsport.com – Owen Leaving Mercedes
Current Status (as of January 20, 2026)
As of January 20, 2026, John Owen remains scheduled to depart Mercedes after assisting with the transition of his responsibilities and completing a period of gardening leave. No further details regarding his future career endeavors have been publicly disclosed. Autosport – Owen Leaving Mercedes