Hannah Schmitz

WoMo racing // British

It was difficult to be one of the first women to sit on the pit wall,

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nickname:

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Birthday:

May 24, 1985 (40)

Birthplace:

Caterham, United Kingdom

racing type:

WoMo racing

team(s):

racing status:

Pro

height (cm):

165

residence:

inspiration(s):

guilty pLEASURES:

FOLLOWING:

GRRL! Number:

GRRL-0376

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profile updated: June 12, 2025

Hannah Schmitz is a pioneering figure in Formula One as the Principal Strategy Engineer for Red Bull Racing, where her strategic brilliance has been instrumental in numerous race victories and championship wins.

EARLY YEARS

Born Hannah McMillan in May 1985, she developed a keen interest in cars and engineering during her time at Croydon High School in London. Her passion for motorsport technology led her to Cambridge University, where she graduated with a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2009 while actively participating in the Cambridge University Eco Racing team.

EARLY SUCCESS

After graduating, Hannah joined Red Bull Racing as a Modelling and Simulation Engineer in 2009, quickly progressing to Senior Strategy Engineer within 18 months. Her analytical skills and calm decision-making under pressure became evident early in her career as she developed simulation tools and produced testing reports that would form the foundation of the team’s strategic approach.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

2019: Made the decisive pit strategy call during the Brazilian Grand Prix that secured Max Verstappen’s victory, earning her the Constructors’ Trophy.
2021: Contributed significantly to Max Verstappen’s Drivers’ Championship win and was promoted to Principal Strategy Engineer.
2022: Orchestrated Sergio Pérez’s win at the Monaco Grand Prix with a brilliant three-stop strategy and helped Verstappen climb from 10th to 1st at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
2022: Named Female Engineer of the Year by McLaren Applied for her contributions to Red Bull securing both the Drivers’ and Teams’ Championships.
2023: Continued strategic excellence helped Red Bull win all but one race, securing their double championship titles.

REPUTATION

Widely respected for her strategic brilliance and composure under pressure, Hannah has become one of the most influential women in Formula One. Her presence on the pit wall during crucial race moments has inspired countless young women to pursue careers in motorsport, embodying the “See it. Be it.” movement she advocates for. Team principals and drivers alike credit her strategic acumen as a decisive factor in Red Bull Racing’s recent dominance.

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

Hannah has expressed a commitment to increasing diversity in motorsport, particularly by inspiring more women to enter Formula One. She continues to focus on developing innovative strategic approaches and optimization tools that keep Red Bull Racing at the forefront of the sport.