Key Mercedes Engine Chief Dan Milner Departs After 14 Years
Dan Milner, a key figure in Mercedes' power unit department for 14 years, is leaving the team. His departure comes as Mercedes fights to return to the front and prepares for the crucial 2026 regulation changes.
Dan Milner, a cornerstone of Mercedes' dominant hybrid era power unit program, is departing the team after fourteen years. The Chief Engineer of Research and Development is currently on gardening leave, with his next destination set to be announced later this year, marking a significant technical loss for the Brackley-based outfit as they fight to return to the front of the grid.
Why it matters:
Milner's exit is a notable blow for Mercedes as they navigate a critical period. The team is working to close the gap to Red Bull and McLaren after losing its long-held performance advantage, and his deep institutional knowledge is invaluable as F1 heads towards a massive rules overhaul in 2026. The power unit will be even more crucial in the next era, making the loss of a senior R&D leader particularly impactful.
The details:
- Milner's career at Mercedes spanned 14 years, during which he held several senior technical positions central to their success.
- His most recent role was Chief Engineer, Research and Development, focusing on future power unit technology.
- Previously, he served as Lead Powertrain Engineer and Head of Powertrain Integration and Transmission Design, roles directly involved in the development and integration of their championship-winning hybrid engines.
- In a LinkedIn post, Milner thanked his colleagues and described his time at Mercedes as an 'amazing journey,' adding that he looks forward to watching the sport 'from the couch' for a while.
What's next:
The paddock will now be watching closely to see where Milner lands, as his move could have significant implications for the competitive landscape.
- A Rival Team? A move to a competitor like Ferrari, Red Bull Powertrains, or even Audi would be a major coup, potentially transferring critical knowledge about Mercedes' philosophy and upcoming projects.
- Mercedes' Response: The team will need to promote from within or hire externally to fill the void left by such an experienced engineer. This transition will be a test of the depth of their technical leadership during a pivotal development phase.
- 2026 Implications: With the new regulations rapidly approaching, any disruption in the leadership of the R&D department could have lasting consequences on Mercedes' ability to hit the ground running in the next era of F1.