McLaren announce surprise new hire alongside Brown

McLaren Racing has further strengthened its leadership team ahead of the 2025 F1 season, signing Alessandro Alunni Bravi to the squad.

Bravi recently departed the Stake F1 outfit, where he spent the past two seasons working as its team representative.

The Italian will now work in support of Zak Brown as its chief business affairs officer, starting his new position on February 1.

The 50-year-old left the Sauber-run Stake team earlier this month as it prepares for former Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley to take the helm as team principal in April, ahead of its transition to the works Audi team next year.

Prior to that, Bravi served as managing director of the Sauber Group, from 2022, having joined as a board member and general counsel in 2017.

He forged his career in motorsport as a lawyer to numerous teams and drivers.

Bravi will also take over leadership of McLaren's driver development programme.

“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,” Bravi said. 

“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. 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. 

“I am so happy to be joining a team that I truly believe sets the benchmark in F1 both on and off the track, and I can’t wait to get started at the beginning of February.”

In an additional announcement, McLaren confirmed chief communications officer Steve Atkins will be leaving the team at the end of February for personal reasons.

McLaren enters the 2025 F1 campaign looking to defend the constructors' championship it secured last year.

Speaking on the new hire, team CEO Brown said: “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.

“We look forward to welcoming him to the McLaren Racing family in February.

“I’d also like to thank Steve for his contribution to McLaren Racing’s success over the last two seasons and I wish him well in his future endeavours.”