Former Sauber F1 chief lands at McLaren in dual role

McLaren has signed former Sauber chief Alessandro Alunni Bravi as new chief business affairs officer and head of its driver development programme.

Earlier this month it was announced that Bravi, who had been Sauber’s team representative since 2023 after a stint as managing director, would be leaving the squad at the end of this month.

His exit came amid the looming early arrival of team principal Jonathan Wheatley, who is set to begin on April 1 after a deal was reached with Red Bull to release him from his contract early.

While Bravi was linked with other motorsport ventures, it has been announced that he will be taking an executive role at McLaren – helping out with a range of matters including legal, driver development, commercial, driver contract management and rights holders/governing body management.

He will also take over the leadership of McLaren’s driver development programme from Stephanie Carlin, who is relinquishing that role so she can take on increased responsibilities in F1.

Speaking about the opportunity, Bravi said: “McLaren is a team I have been a huge fan of my whole life, and it therefore sparks special emotions personally to have the opportunity to now work with such an amazing group of people.

“I’m so grateful to be joining such a great organisation with the values and culture that are so clear to see from the outside.”

McLaren CEO Zak Brown added: “I’m delighted to have Alessandro joining us with his extensive expertise and motorsport background.

“Alongside managing our legal and driver development functions, he will also provide invaluable support on all professional driver business management matters, racing governance activities across our various rights holders and governing body relationships and broad business support to all our racing series as needed.”

McLaren has also announced the departure of chief communications officer Steve Atkins, who is leaving the team at the end of February for personal reasons.