Microsoft science chief Peter Lee leaves for Mercedes F1 AI advisor role

Peter Lee is stepping down as president of Microsoft Science after more than 16 years to join the Mercedes Formula 1 team in a newly created AI advisor role. He will work on physics problems for the car, break down data silos, build predictive models and advise on AI regulation in F1, on a one-year contract with an option for a second.

• Lee leaves Microsoft after more than 16 years
• At Mercedes he will focus on AI for car physics and predictive models
• One-year contract with an option for a second year
• His exit is part of a broader wave of senior Microsoft departures in 2026