Alessandro Bravi joins McLaren as chief business affairs officer

McLaren has bolstered its leadership team with the appointment of Alessandro Alunni Bravi as its new chief business affairs officer, marking a significant addition to the Woking-based outfit’s management structure.

The former Sauber managing director and team representative will assume his role on 1 February 2025, reporting directly to McLaren CEO Zak Brown.

Alunni Bravi’s appointment comes as part of a broader reshuffle within McLaren’s senior ranks, with the Italian bringing a wealth of experience from his tenure at Sauber, where he served from 2017 until earlier this year.

His new remit will encompass a wide range of responsibilities, including overseeing McLaren’s driver development programme, managing legal affairs, handling driver contracts, and liaising with rights holders and governing bodies.

A New Chapter for Alunni Bravi

For Alunni Bravi, the move to McLaren represents a deeply personal milestone.

“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,” he said.

“I want to reward the trust and confidence that Zak and the board have put in me by giving my full dedication and effort to help contribute to the continued success, as I believe teamwork is key to everything.”

His enthusiasm for the role was echoed by Brown, who highlighted Alunni Bravi’s 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,” Brown said.

McLaren’s Structural Overhaul

The appointment of Alunni Bravi is just one part of a wider restructuring within McLaren’s management team.

Stephanie Carlin, previously the team’s business operations director, has been reassigned to additional responsibilities within Formula 1, continuing to report to team principal Andrea Stella.

Meanwhile, Steve Atkins, McLaren’s chief communications officer, will step down at the end of February for personal reasons after two years in the role.

These changes come at a pivotal time for McLaren, which has been working to strengthen its operational framework and competitive edge following a resurgence in form over the past two seasons.

The addition of Alunni Bravi, with his proven track record in team management and business affairs, is expected to further enhance McLaren’s off-track capabilities as it continues to push for success on the circuit.