Is Owen Stepping Down as Mercedes Chief Designer?

Mercedes chief designer John Owen is set to leave the Brackley-based team later this year after a notable tenure that began in 2007. His departure marks a significant moment in the team's history, given his integral role in securing multiple championships under both the Brawn and Mercedes banners. Following his exit, Owen will assist in the transition to his successor and take a period of gardening leave.

Last updated: 19 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

John Owen's departure from Mercedes is confirmed, with the engineering director Giacomo Tortora taking over the role of director of car design. This transition is crucial for the team as it prepares for future seasons, including the upcoming 2026 regulations. Owen's contributions to the team have been substantial, having played a key role in the design and development of competitive cars that have dominated the Formula 1 championship for over a decade.

Key takeaways

• John Owen has been a pivotal figure at Mercedes since 2007, contributing to numerous championship wins.
• His departure will be followed by a transition period to ensure continuity in car design leadership.
• Giacomo Tortora will take over as director of car design, indicating a shift in the team's technical leadership.

Timeline: how we got here

Below is a brief timeline of key milestones in John Owen's career with the team:

• 2007: Owen joins Honda Racing F1 Team as a senior aerodynamicist.
• 2009: The team, now rebranded as Brawn GP, wins the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships.
• 2010: The team is acquired by Mercedes, with Owen continuing to play a critical role in the design process.
• 2014-2021: Under Owen's design leadership, Mercedes secures seven Drivers' and eight Constructors' Championships.
• October 2023: Announcement of Owen's departure from Mercedes, with plans for a smooth transition to his successor.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The announcement of John Owen's departure indicates a significant change within the Mercedes technical team. While the details of his next career move remain undisclosed, the team's statement highlights Owen's commitment to ensuring a smooth transition for his successor.

What was already established

Owen has been a critical figure in the evolution of Mercedes' F1 cars, contributing to the design that has led to unprecedented success in the hybrid era starting in 2014. His expertise in aerodynamics has been instrumental in the team's performance over the years.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

As one of the leading teams in Formula 1, changes in Mercedes’ leadership could indirectly impact UK motorsport fans and the broader automotive industry. The performance of Mercedes in upcoming seasons will be closely watched, particularly with the introduction of new regulations in 2026.

Businesses and jobs

The shift in design leadership could affect job roles within the team, particularly for engineers and designers who work closely with Owen. The restructuring may bring new opportunities for talent within the organisation as it adapts to Owen's departure.

Policy and regulation

With new regulations set to take effect in 2026, the timing of Owen's departure is critical. His successor will need to quickly align the team's design philosophy with upcoming changes, potentially influencing how teams prepare for the new era of Formula 1 racing.

Numbers that matter

• 16: Championships won by teams under Owen's influence (1 Constructors' and 1 Drivers' with Brawn, 8 Constructors' and 7 Drivers' with Mercedes).
• 2007: Year Owen joined the team, marking the start of a long and successful career.
• 14: Number of years Owen has been with the team, reflecting a significant commitment to Mercedes and its success in Formula 1.

Definitions and jargon buster

• F1: Short for Formula 1, the highest class of international auto racing for single-seater formula racing cars.
• Constructors' Championship: An award given to the most successful Formula 1 constructor over a season based on the combined results of its drivers.
• Drivers' Championship: An award given to the most successful Formula 1 driver over a season based on race results.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Expect to see further announcements from Mercedes regarding Owen's successor and the new structure of the design team. The focus will likely shift to ensuring stability and continuity in car development as the team prepares for future races.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the 2026 regulations approach, the new design leadership will need to initiate the development of cars that comply with the updated rules. This period will be critical for establishing the team's competitive edge for the upcoming season.

Signals to watch

• Official announcements on Owen's successor and any changes to the technical team structure.
• Updates on car development plans leading up to the 2026 season.
• Performance indicators from pre-season testing and early races in 2024.

Practical guidance

Do

• Stay updated on team announcements regarding changes in leadership.
• Follow Mercedes' performance closely as they adapt to new regulations.
• Engage with fan forums to discuss potential impacts of these changes on the team’s future.

Don’t

• Don’t jump to conclusions about the team’s performance based solely on leadership changes.
• Don’t underestimate the influence of the new design director on the development of future cars.

Checklist

• Keep an eye on the team's social media channels for the latest updates.
• Monitor F1 news for insights into how the leadership change affects Mercedes’ strategies.
• Review historical performance to gauge how such changes have impacted other teams in the past.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While John Owen's departure is a significant change, the exact impact remains uncertain. The new design director will face challenges adapting to the evolving landscape of Formula 1, especially with the introduction of substantial regulatory changes in 2026. Team dynamics, technical strategies, and overall performance may fluctuate during this transition period.

Bottom line

John Owen's exit from Mercedes marks the end of an era for the team. As they prepare for the future, the focus will be on how the new leadership can uphold the high standards set during Owen's tenure and navigate the upcoming regulatory changes. This transition is pivotal for maintaining the team's competitive stature in Formula 1.

FAQs

What impact will John Owen's departure have on Mercedes?

John Owen's departure is a significant shift for Mercedes, as he has been a key figure in their success. His successor will need to maintain the team's competitive edge, especially with new regulations coming in 2026.

Who will take over John Owen's role?

Giacomo Tortora, currently the engineering director, will step into the role of director of car design. This change is aimed at ensuring a seamless transition in the team's design leadership.

What are the upcoming changes in Formula 1 regulations?

The 2026 Formula 1 regulations will introduce various changes aimed at improving sustainability and competition. The new design leadership at Mercedes will need to adapt to these regulations to remain competitive.