Williams Recruits Mercedes Veteran Dan Milner as Chief Engineer to Spearhead Technical Overhaul

Williams Racing bolsters its technical leadership by hiring Dan Milner from Mercedes, bringing 20 years of Brackley experience to Grove in April 2026.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 10, 2026, 3:55 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from PlanetF1

A Decades-Long Legacy at Brackley Ends

Williams has successfully secured the services of one of the most experienced technical minds in the pit lane. Dan Milner officially commenced his role at Williams this past Wednesday, following a three-month gardening leave period. Milner’s departure from Mercedes marks the end of a 14-year tenure under Toto Wolff’s leadership, though his history at the Brackley factory extends back two decades, encompassing the team’s eras as Honda Racing and the championship-winning Brawn GP.

Comprehensive Technical Expertise

During his time at Mercedes, Milner held several critical positions that were instrumental in the team’s period of hybrid-era dominance. Most recently, he served as the Chief Engineer of Research and Development, a role he assumed in late 2023. His portfolio includes leading the integration of power units and chassis—a vital skill for Williams as they look to optimize their Mercedes customer engines—and heading the transmission design department. His broad experience makes him a versatile asset for a Williams team currently undergoing a foundational restructuring.

Integration into Grove’s Leadership Structure

At Grove, Milner will report directly to Technical Director Matt Harman and Chief Technical Officer Pat Fry. His appointment is seen as a central pillar of Williams’ "Vehicle Technology Plan," which aims to bridge the gap between innovative design concepts and consistent on-track performance. Milner expressed his enthusiasm for the move, stating that after 20 years at Brackley, it was the "right moment" to join a team with a clear and ambitious plan to return to the front of the Formula 1 grid.