P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes has announced that a key figure within its F1 operation will leave later this year.
Mercedes’ director of car design, John Owen, is set to leave the team later this year after being with them since the days of Honda in 2007. He will take a break from Formula 1.
Once a smooth transition to his successor is completed, Owen will go on gardening leave, as confirmed by the Silver Arrows.
Owen played a crucial part in Mercedes’ nine consecutive constructors’ titles and was involved in designing the W17 for the 2026 F1 season.
His departure will see Giacomo Tortora, the current engineering director at Mercedes, step into the director of car design role, while Simone Resta will take on oversight responsibilities.
Mercedes made it clear that Owen’s position will be filled internally through a promotion.
The news arrives just before Mercedes’ W17 livery reveal, marking the team’s step towards the 2026 F1 campaign as the fifth outfit to unveil their new design.
