Former Sauber COO Axel Kruse joins Williams as Operations Director

Williams has announced that long-standing Sauber COO Axel Kruse will move to the British outfit to fulfill the role of Chief Operations Director from September 1.

Kruse will succeed Frederic Brousseau, who is set to return to his native Canada after a two-year stint with Williams.

Kruse’s appointment at the Grove-based squad is a homecoming of sorts, as he previously worked as a BMW engineer during the German manufacturer’s partnership with Williams from 2000 to 2005. That era saw the team achieve notable success, including second-place finishes in the constructors’ championship in 2002 and 2003.

Reflecting on his return, Kruse expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming opportunity.

“I am thrilled to be joining Williams Racing and can’t wait to get started,” he said. “Williams is an iconic Formula 1 team with huge ambition and momentum, and I look forward to working with everyone at Grove to deliver success on track.

"As a young engineer I saw first-hand the professionalism and passion at the team as we finished second in the constructors’ championship – there is unfinished business, and the target must be to finish first.

”Williams has faced challenges in recent years, notably finishing last in the constructors’ standings in 2022. However, the team has shown signs of recovery in 2025, currently holding fifth place in the championship after 13 rounds.

“Kruse’s appointment aligns with Williams’ ongoing efforts to bolster its operations and return to the front of the grid.

Leadership Transition and Team Progress

Team principal James Vowles welcomed Kruse’s arrival, highlighting his role in continuing the team’s transformation.

“I am excited to welcome Axel to Williams Racing as we continue to invest in the people, technology and infrastructure needed to achieve our goal of returning to the front of the grid,” Vowles said.

“Axel is the latest top talent to join us from within the F1 paddock and will continue the important work started by Fred to make our operations truly championship-level.

I would like to thank Fred for everything he has done, and we all wish him well as he returns home to Canada.”

Brousseau, who joined Williams in April 2023 after a 26-year career with aerospace giant Pratt & Whitney, reflected on his time with the team and its recent progress.

“Having actively embarked on our transformation journey over the past two years, we’re now starting to see clear signs of progress – both from a business results and track performance perspective,” he said.

“With this sustainable positive momentum now in place throughout the organisation, the time feels right for me to return home and begin the next chapter of my journey.

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“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together and, above all, grateful for the passion and dedication of the people – they are the true heart of Williams. Being welcomed into this team and the world of Formula 1 has been a genuine privilege.”

Additional Team Developments

In addition to Kruse’s appointment, Williams announced the promotion of Matt Harman, who joined the team from Alpine in 2024, from design director to technical director - engineering.

This move further underscores the team’s commitment to strengthening its technical and operational leadership as it aims to reclaim its competitive edge in Formula 1.

Kruse’s extensive experience and familiarity with Williams’ culture, combined with the team’s recent upward trajectory, signal an exciting new chapter for the historic outfit as it continues its push toward the front of the grid.

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