Exclusive: Microsoft’s departing science president plans to join Mercedes F1 team as AI advisor

Peter Lee, who recently announced his departure as president of Microsoft Science, plans to join the Mercedes Formula 1 team in a newly created AI advisor role, he told Fortune .

Lee spent 16 years at Microsoft shaping its science and research efforts, exploring how AI can help doctors and scientists crack hard problems in the physical, biological, and medical sciences.

At Mercedes, he said, he’ll focus on four main goals: using AI to tackle physics problems for the team’s car, breaking down organizational and data silos across departments, building financial and predictive data models, and advising the team on how the sport’s regulators might govern AI use.

His exact title is still under discussion, but he’s expected to join on a one-year contract with an option for a second.

“I have always wanted to be a racer.

When I was young, I grew up racing carts,” Lee said.

“I’m completely thrilled, and I’m in disbelief that they would think of me for something like this.” The Mercedes team didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

Lee’s move is further proof of how AI is reshaping the job market, even at the highest levels of corporate America.

The AI boom has set off an arms race for talent, and industries outside Silicon Valley are competing to secure expertise.

In June, for example, Dr.

James Smith, who once worked at Google’s AI lab DeepMind, joined the Williams Formula 1 team as its new chief information officer.

Lee’s change also comes amid a wave of departures from Microsoft this year, as CEO Satya Nadella reorients the company to win the enterprise and cloud sides of AI.

Ryan Roslansky, an executive vice president who also served as LinkedIn CEO, recently announced he’s leaving, as is chief communications officer Frank X.

Shaw.