Williams recruit ex-Mercedes F1 engineer Dan Milner

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Williams Racing have made a decisive statement about their future by appointing veteran F1 engineer Dan Milner as Chief Engineer-Vehicle Technology, as the team looks to reverse a difficult start to the 2026 season.

The British outfit has struggled to extract performance from its new-generation and challenger under Formula 1’s latest regulations, finding itself on the back foot while rivals adapt more quickly to the sweeping technical changes.

Against that backdrop, Milner’s arrival signals a clear intent to accelerate progress and restore competitiveness.

Milner joins Williams after two decades of association with Mercedes and its previous Brawn and Honda incarnations, playing a role in one of the most dominant eras in Formula 1 history.

His résumé includes senior leadership contributions to eight consecutive constructors’ championships – a pedigree Williams hope will inject winning DNA into their rebuilding project.

His experience spans simulation, design, powertrain integration, and R&D leadership, making him a key figure to oversee the increasingly complex interplay between hardware, software, and performance in modern F1 cars.

In his new role, Milner will take charge of vehicle technology, focusing on translating innovation into tangible lap-time gains – a critical area where Williams have lagged so far this season.

‘The right moment to take on a new challenge’

Milner expressed his enthusiasm for the move and the scale of the challenge ahead:

“I’m thrilled to be joining Atlassian Williams F1 Team as Chief Engineer across Vehicle Technology. After 20 years of association with Brackley, it’s the right moment to take on a new challenge,” he said.

“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.”

His appointment comes at a crucial time, with Williams needing to bridge the gap between concept and execution as they continue to wrestle with the demands of the 2026 regulations.

A key piece in Williams’ rebuild

Williams Technical Director Matt Harman underlined just how central Milner will be to the team’s plans:

“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,” he said.

“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 Atlassian Williams F1 Team back to the front of the grid.”

For Williams, the message is clear: ambition alone is no longer enough.

With a car that has yet to consistently deliver under the new rules, the team is doubling down on technical leadership to close the gap. Milner’s arrival represents more than just a hire — it’s a strategic play to transform potential into results.

And if his track record is anything to go by, Williams may have just secured a crucial building block in their bid to climb back toward Formula 1’s sharp end.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.