Mercedes confirmed the approaching departure in a press release on Tuesday.
Mercedes will lose one in every of their prime automobile design minds (Picture: Getty)
Mercedes have confirmed the approaching departure of their prime Method 1 automobile design boss. John Owen has labored for the Brackley-based crew since 2007, becoming a member of when it was owned by Honda and staying on via transitions to Brawn GP after which Mercedes.
He performed a key position in 9 constructors’ championship successes, one with Brawn in 2009 when Jenson Button received the title and eight extra beneath the Mercedes identify, secured consecutively between 2014 and 2021. However it was confirmed on Tuesday that Owen is to step down from his position as director of automobile design, a job he has held since 2023, later this yr when he’ll start a interval of gardening depart.
“We are able to verify that John Owen, our director of automobile design, has determined that now could be the appropriate time to take a break from F1,” a Mercedes assertion learn. “John has been with our Brackley crew since 2007 and performed a substantial position in our success.
“He has been a key a part of 9 constructors’ championships throughout the time he has labored right here and this yr’s W17 marks the seventeenth automobile for which he has had general design duty. We want John all the easiest for the longer term and thank him for the appreciable position he has performed within the crew’s success.”
Mercedes are set to advertise from inside to fill Owen’s position in the long run. Giacomo Tortora is primed to step up from his present position as engineering director to take over as director of automobile design, reporting to technical director Simone Resta who leads the division.
The announcement comes two days earlier than Mercedes plan to drag the covers off the livery design for his or her 2026 automobile, the primary created for the brand new engine and aerodynamic laws in F1. The Silver Arrows are set to publish renders of the W17 on Thursday, forward of pre-season testing in Barcelona subsequent week, with a full season launch present set to be held on Monday, February 2 and live-streamed for followers to look at.
Keep up-to-date with the most recent F1 information Be part of us on WhatsApp
Our group members are handled to particular presents, promotions, and adverts from us and our companions. You may take a look at at any time. Learn our Privateness Coverage
Race particulars, crew updates, outcomes and opinion plus chosen presents and competitions Subscribe Invalid e mail
We use your sign-up to supply content material in methods you’ve got consented to and to enhance our understanding of you. This may occasionally embrace adverts from us and third events primarily based on our understanding. You may unsubscribe at any time. Learn our Privateness Coverage
George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will proceed to drive for the crew, having each landed contract extensions final yr. Frederik Vesti will proceed to function a reserve driver, with Mercedes but to verify whether or not one other racer can be appointed to that place following the departure of Valtteri Bottas, who will race for brand spanking new outfit Cadillac this season.
As for Owen, The Race stories he has but to decide over whether or not he’ll proceed to work in F1 sooner or later with one other crew. He’s set to take a profession break throughout which period he’ll mull over his choices.
Leave a Reply