There was a time when Frédéric Brousseau was a young, freshly graduated engineer. From the top of the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve stands, he encouraged Jacques Villeneuve, then a driver for Williams.
More than 20 years later, this same young engineer has made his way to becoming, a few months ago, chief operating officer … at Williams. This week, he will experience the Canadian Grand Prix in the paddock of the Montreal circuit.
It’s been three months since Brousseau left Pratt’s planes behind.
Holder of a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in aeronautics from the University of Sherbrooke, Brousseau has spent the last 26 years at Pratt
Still, he “couldn’t refuse” the offer to be part of one of the “most decorated teams in F1 history”, he said. Everything became official in March, after numerous meetings in the United Kingdom and New York.
“I was very happy at Pratt
His dream, he explains, was to combine his two passions: high-level engineering and elite sports. Two passions he has, for a long time, lived separately; as a high-level cyclist, he took part in many races on weekends.
“The opportunity at Williams gave me the chance to marry the two passions. Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motorsport, the ultimate technological challenge, and it is a true team sport.
“The team made me feel really welcome. My first few weeks were about immersing myself in the industry and the specific challenges we face at Williams. »
Rare are the Quebecers who manage to find their place in Formula 1. In a prestigious position such as that of chief operating officer (COO), even more so. According to Williams, Brousseau is the first to get there.
“I’m excited to show future generations of French Canadians that anything is possible,” says the principal.
“[…] If I can inspire talented young engineers from Montreal to come into this industry, I would be really proud. I would be very happy to support them in any way. »
While Brousseau is still new to the blue stable, he says he’s learning “a lot,” including working “hand in hand” with senior manager James Vowles. “He has a wealth of knowledge about F1 and he is happy to share it with me every day. On the other hand, he appreciates my business expertise and welcomes my ideas that think outside the box. »
Naturally, his new position forced the father of the family to move to the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. As Brousseau had already lived in China for work, the most difficult adaptation was above all on the family side, since his wife and four children remained in Quebec.
“On the bright side, with all the video calling and social media apps, it’s easy to stay in touch,” he says. I can see the kids every day and my family supports me 100%. »
Williams has been a subscriber to the bottom of the rankings for several years now. Again this season, she only has a very small point in seven races. Naturally, the team aspires to better, to win championships, according to Brousseau.
“We are now preparing our five-year strategy to bring the team back to its place in the medium term,” he explains. Nothing is short-term anymore and it’s a big change in mentality.
“It’s going to take a lot of resilience from everyone, and the other teams won’t give it to us on a silver platter, but that’s the sport. We have a lot to do to get there and it will take a few years, but what a challenge! »
According to the Quebecer, Williams has long had a short-term view due to his underfunding. “Every decision and every resource” was then based on the next race. But a new era of “transformation” has now begun, and the team is working in this direction to hire quality personnel.
“The vision now is to create an organization that focuses on long-term gain rather than next weekend performance. »
For now, Brousseau can still take the time to think about next weekend. Because for the first time, he will represent Williams at the Gilles-Villeneuve circuit.
“To be able to do this in my hometown, with my friends and family, it’s pretty exciting,” he said. […] Hopefully the team will feel that the province of Quebec, more specifically Montreal, is behind us when we are on the starting grid. »
