Mercedes F1 Announces Departure of head of Aerodynamics Owen, Restructuring Technical Team
Brackley, UK – Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team announced today that Head of Aerodynamics, Steve Owen, will be leaving the team later this year, marking the end of a highly triumphant 17-year tenure that spanned the team’s iterations as Honda, Brawn GP, and Mercedes. The departure initiates a restructuring of the team’s technical department, with Giacomo Tortora set too assume the role of Director of Car Design. https://www.mercedesamgf1.com/en/news/steve-owen-to-leave-mercedes-amg-petronas-formula-one-team/
Owen’s departure comes at a pivotal moment for Mercedes, as the team strives to regain its competitive edge after a challenging 2022 and 2023 seasons. While the team secured a race win in the 2023 season with George Russell at the Brazilian Grand Prix, it ultimately finished third in the Constructors’ Championship, substantially behind Red Bull Racing. The restructuring signals a clear intent to refine the team’s technical approach and accelerate advancement.
A Legacy of championship Success
Owen joined the team in 2007 when it was still operating as Honda. He played a crucial role in the team’s transformation into Brawn GP, famously achieving a stunning championship victory in 2009 with Jenson Button at the wheel. This success was built on innovative aerodynamic solutions and a clever interpretation of the regulations. The team was subsequently acquired by Daimler AG and rebranded as Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team, where Owen continued to be a central figure in an unprecedented era of dominance.
From 2014 to 2021, Mercedes, under Owen’s aerodynamic guidance, secured seven Drivers’ Championships with Lewis Hamilton (six titles) and Nico Rosberg (one title), alongside eight Constructors’ Championships. This period represented a level of sustained success rarely seen in Formula 1 history, largely attributed to the team’s relentless pursuit of aerodynamic efficiency and innovative car designs.The Mercedes W11, for example, widely considered one of the most aerodynamically advanced F1 cars ever built, benefited significantly from owen’s leadership.
Transition and Restructuring
According to the official Mercedes statement, Owen will remain with the team to ensure a smooth transition to his successor before embarking on a period of gardening leave – a common practice in Formula 1 where departing employees are contractually obligated to remain away from competitors for a specified period. https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/mercedes-head-of-aerodynamics-owen-to-leave/10563991/
The restructuring of the aerodynamic department sees Giacomo Tortora promoted to Director of Car Design. Tortora will oversee all aspects of the car’s aerodynamic development, reporting to Deputy Technical Director Simone Resta. This organizational change suggests a move towards a more integrated approach to car design, breaking down customary silos between different engineering departments.
“This is a natural evolution of our team structure,” explained a source within Mercedes, speaking on condition of anonymity. “We want to foster greater collaboration and streamline the decision-making process. Giacomo has a proven track record within the team, and we are confident he will excel in this new role.”
Owen’s Career Path and Industry Impact
Before joining Honda, Owen honed his skills at the Swiss Sauber team, where he rose to the position of Senior Aerodynamicist in 2004. His early career was rooted in the now-defunct racing car manufacturer, Reynard, providing him with a solid foundation in the fundamentals of motorsport engineering. https://www.racefans.com/2023/12/08/mercedes-head-of-aerodynamics-owen-to-leave/
Owen’s influence extends beyond the championship wins. He is widely respected within the Formula 1 paddock for his technical acumen and collaborative leadership style. His departure leaves a important void in the Mercedes technical structure, and finding a suitable replacement will be a key priority for the team.
The Importance of Aerodynamics in Modern F1
Aerodynamics remains the single most crucial element in modern Formula 1 car performance.The complex interplay of airflow over, under, and around the car dictates grip levels, drag, and overall efficiency. Teams invest heavily in aerodynamic research and development, utilizing Computational fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, wind tunnel testing, and on-track data analysis to optimize their car designs.
The current regulations,introduced in 2022,aimed to
