Williams makes a big move and hires former Mercedes engineer Dan Milner

In search of a fresh start, Williams continues to strengthen its technical team with the arrival of Dan Milner, a seasoned engineer from Mercedes. This strategic hire is part of James Vowles' ambitious plan to bring the British team back to the top of Formula 1.

Williams is no longer hiding its ambitions. The Grove-based team has officially announced the hiring of Dan Milner, an experienced engineer formerly with Mercedes, to fill the key role of Chief Engineer in charge of vehicle technology. This is a major boost, as the British engineer arrives with an impressive track record. After more than twenty years at the Brackley facility—including stints with Honda, Brawn GP, and Mercedes—Milner has been a key player in one of F1's most dominant eras, notably contributing to the multiple world titles won by the Silver Arrows.

Throughout his career, Dan Milner has climbed the ranks, working in simulation, engine design, and then holding senior positions in powertrain integration and research and development. Most recently serving as Chief R&D Engineer at Mercedes, he was responsible for complex programs combining innovation, testing, and multidisciplinary development. This is expertise that Williams intends to fully leverage. His mission is clear: to drive single-seater technology and accelerate the transformation of ideas into tangible performance on the track, while coordinating key areas such as simulation.

A key piece of the Vowles project

This hire is no small matter. It is part of the rebuilding strategy led by James Vowles, himself a former Mercedes executive, who continues to surround himself with people he knows well. For Technical Director Matt Harman, Milner represents a central element of the development plan. A leader capable of turning innovation into measurable gains on the track and uniting teams around common goals.

At a time when Williams is seeking to close the gap and climb back up the standings—particularly after a difficult start to the season—this appointment embodies a clear desire to accelerate the process.

For Milner, the decision is also a personal one. After two decades in the same technical world, the British engineer felt the time was right to take on a new challenge. Impressed by the vision and ambition demonstrated by Williams, he now intends to put his experience to work for a project in the midst of a rebuild, with the stated goal of bringing the team back to the top of the grid.