Ex-Mercedes engineer Dan Milner joins Williams

Williams has added ex-Mercedes Formula 1 engineer Dan Milner to its senior leadership team, as he steps into the role of chief engineer of vehicle technology to oversee the team's car development programmes. 

Milner left Mercedes earlier this year having spent 14 years at the team, most recently as the chief engineer of research and development. 

He also held previous roles leading the integration between the power unit and the chassis at the team, along with a spell heading up the transmission design department. 

In other roles, Milner also worked at Brackley during the team's time as Brawn and Honda, later becoming the lead powertrain engineer for Mercedes before stepping into his development roles.

Having been on gardening leave since January, Milner will now start work at Williams, working under the aegis of technical director Matt Harman and chief technical officer Pat Fry.

"I’m thrilled to be joining Williams as chief engineer across vehicle technology," said Milner. 

Carlos Sainz, Williams

Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images

"After 20 years of association with Brackley, it’s the right moment to take on a new challenge. Williams has a clear, ambitious plan to move forward, and I’m looking forward to bringing my experience and knowledge to help accelerate that journey. 

"I can’t wait to meet the team, learn the organisation and get to work converting ideas into performance on track.”

Harman added: "Dan brings broad experience and clear leadership. He has led major programmes across R&D and powertrains, turning ideas into performance, and he knows how to bring teams together to deliver. 

"Dan will be central to our vehicle technology plan and to converting innovation into consistent performance gains on track, so we’re thrilled to have him on board as we continue our plans of bringing Williams back to the front of the grid.”

Milner also spent time in a senior design role in America's Cup competition with the Ineos Britannia outfit.