Overview
- Mercedes confirmed John Owen will leave later this year to take a break from F1, entering gardening leave after assisting the handover.
- Giacomo Tortora, previously engineering director, will become director of car design, with deputy technical director Simone Resta overseeing the group.
- The W17 for the 2026 season will be the 17th and final Mercedes car for which Owen has had overall design responsibility.
- Owen has been with the team since 2007 through its Honda, Brawn GP and Mercedes eras, contributing to nine constructors’ titles including Brawn’s 2009 double.
- Some reports indicate he could stay on until mid‑season to complete the transition, while the team has stated only that the changeover will be phased.