Williams Appoints Axel Kruse as Chief Operations Director
Williams Racing has appointed Axel Kruse as its new Chief Operations Director, effective September 1, succeeding Fred Brousseau, who is set to return to Canada later this year. Kruse joins from Sauber, where he served as Chief Operating Officer for 15 years and has previously collaborated with Williams during his tenure at BMW, which supplied engines to the team.
Team Principal James Vowles welcomed Kruse, highlighting his significant experience within the F1 paddock. "Axel is the latest top talent to join us…and will continue the important work started by Fred to make our operations truly championship-level," Vowles stated, expressing gratitude for Brousseau’s contributions to the team.
Kruse’s appointment is not only a strategic move for the future of Williams but also deeply personal. "Williams is an iconic Formula 1 team with huge ambition…there is unfinished business, and the target must be to finish first," Kruse commented, reflecting on his experiences with the team during its near-misses in championship standings.
Brousseau, who joined Williams in early 2021 from Pratt & Whitney, emphasized the positive momentum within the team, stating, “We’re now starting to see clear signs of progress…the time feels right for me to return home.” He praised the dedication of the Williams staff, calling it a privilege to be part of the organization.
In addition to Kruse’s appointment, Williams has promoted Matt Harman, former Alpine Technical Director, to Technical Director of Engineering, signaling further organizational changes aimed at enhancing team performance.
