Mercedes have confirmed that John Owen, their esteemed lead designer, will exit the team during the upcoming Formula One season. This move comes as the sport embarks on a significant shift in regulations, marking a pivotal moment for the German marque.
Key Figure in Mercedes' Dominance
John Owen has been instrumental in Mercedes' unparalleled success throughout the turbo hybrid era. From 2014 to 2021, he contributed to the team securing eight consecutive constructors' championships and seven drivers' titles. His career with Mercedes began in 2007, and he has overseen the design of 17 cars, including the forthcoming 2026 entry, the W17.
Owen started his F1 journey as an aerodynamicist with Sauber before joining Honda in 2007. He remained through the transition to Brawn in 2009, where he won his first constructors' title, and was appointed chief designer when Mercedes took over in 2010. In 2023, he was promoted to director of car design, maintaining a low public profile while focusing on delivering top-performing vehicles.
Transition and Future Plans
Mercedes stated that Owen will continue in his role until mid-season to manage the transition smoothly. Afterward, he will take a period of gardening leave and a break from F1, with no current indications of joining another team. The engineering director, Giacomo Tortora, will be promoted to director of car design, working closely with technical director James Allison and deputy Simone Resta.
In a statement, Mercedes acknowledged Owen's considerable role, saying, "John has been with our Brackley team since 2007 and played a considerable role in our success. He has been a key part of nine constructors' championships across the time he has worked here. We wish John all the very best for the future."
Audi's Bold Entry into Formula One
Meanwhile, Audi made a splash by unveiling its first F1 car, the R26, at an event in Berlin. The manufacturer, entering F1 for the first time, has taken over the Sauber team and is developing its own engine to meet new regulations. The team is led by principal Jonathan Wheatley, with Mattia Binotto as head of the project, and drivers Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto.
Audi set an ambitious goal, announcing, "Our goal is to win championships by 2030. We have a structured plan for a deliberate ascent." Wheatley emphasised the challenge ahead, noting, "You don't beat teams like Ferrari, Red Bull, Mercedes and McLaren. You don't just turn up and beat them because you're Audi. That's not how it works."
Realistic Optimism from Audi
Technical director James Key expressed confidence in Audi's plan, stating, "Seeing the ambition behind the team and the plan ahead, I like to think it is absolutely realistic. We're giving ourselves some time because we're realistic. We know that we haven't got everything in place and we need to be absolutely on top immediately." The R26 will debut in the Australian Grand Prix, powered by Audi's own engine.
The new F1 season kicks off in Melbourne on 8 March, following pre-season tests in Barcelona and Bahrain throughout January and February.
