| Hannah Schmitz | |
| Birth Date: | May 1985 |
| Birth Place: | England |
| Nationality: | British |
| Citizenship: | British |
| Education: | Croydon High School |
| Alma Mater: | University of Cambridge |
| Occupation: | Engineer |
| Employer: | Oracle Red Bull Racing |
| Known For: | Formula One engineer |
Hannah Schmitz (née McMillan; born May 1985) is a British engineer, currently working for Austrian Formula One team Red Bull Racing as Principal Strategy Engineer. She is widely regarded as one of the most successful female figures in the sport of Formula One, heralded as key in Red Bull's 2021, 2022, and 2023 title charges.[1]
She is married to a German husband, Markus Schmitz,[2] with whom she shares two daughters (born in 2019 and 2021).[3]
In 2009, Schmitz obtained a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Cambridge, with a focus on optimization theory, regression analysis, and statistical models.[4] At university, Schmitz was part of the Cambridge University Eco Racing (CUER) team, taking on the role of Mechanical Team Leader.[5] She led the CUER team in the World Solar Challenge in Australia.
She attended Croydon High School, where she excelled at water polo.[6]
Following the completion of her studies, Schmitz began her career working for Red Bull in November 2009, as a Modelling and Strategy Engineer, where she mainly researched and developed new simulation techniques, and maintained simulation tools for analysis, producing regular testing reports on past performances and future strategies. She soon moved to the role of Senior Strategy Engineer in 2011,[7] where she played a key role in Red Bull Racing's live strategy in all Grands Prix as an indispensable member of its team. In 2021, Schmitz was promoted to Principal Strategy Engineer. As of 2024, she remains with Red Bull Racing.
In 2022, Schmitz was awarded Female Engineer of the Year, an award created by McLaren Applied to recognize inspiring female pioneers in motorsport. Fellow nominees included Krystina Emmanouilides and Charlotte Phelps.