Mercedes announce the exit of their Director of Car Design John Owen

The eight-time Formula 1 Constructors' Champions issued a statement saying: "We can confirm that John Owen, our Director of Car Design, has decided that now is the right time to take a break from F1.

"He will be leaving the team later this year to begin a period of gardening leave, after assuring the transition to his successor.

"John has been with our Brackley team since 2007 and played a considerable role in our success," the statement added. "He has been a key part of 9 Constructors' Championships across the time he has worked here, and this year's W17 marks the 17th car for which he has had overall design responsibility.

"We wish John all the very best for the future and thank him for the considerable role he has played in the team's success," the statement said.

Mercedes went on to reveal their plan to replace Owen and revealed: "John's role will be filled through internal promotion.

"Giacomo Tortora (currently our Engineering Director) will become the team's new Director of Car Design, with Deputy Technical Director Simone Resta overseeing this group," the team concluded.

Mercedes are now gearing up for the 2026 F1 season with its sweeping new regulations on both power unit and chassis sides.

They will be looking to bounce back after enduring a tough run over the course of the ground effect era, where the team never seemed to be able to get their heads around that set of rules, failing to produce a decent car since 2022.

The team will reveal their 2026 F1 car livery on January 23. (Reporting by Agnes Carlier)