McLaren recruits Alunni Bravi as new Chief Business Affairs Officer

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McLaren Racing has announced that former Sauber Group managing director Alessandro Alunni Bravi has joined the Woking-based outfit as its new Chief Business Affairs Officer.

Alunni Bravi left Sauber last week after an eight-year spell with the Swiss outfit but was rumored to be joining another F1 team ahead of the start of the 2025 season.

McLaren confirmed on Thursday the arrival of the 50-year-old Italian who will answer directly to McLaren racing boss Zak Brown, while also sitting as part of the company’s executive team.

New Role: Chief Business Affairs Officer

This newly created role will see Alunni Bravi take on executive leadership across a variety of McLaren Racing business areas, including legal matters, driver development, commercial activities, driver contract management, and relations with rights holders and governing bodies.

The former Sauber team representative will also assume leadership of McLaren’s Driver Development programme, which will transition from Stephanie Carlin, who will now take on additional responsibilities within Formula 1 while continuing to report to Andrea Stella.

Extensive Motorsport Experience

In addition to his most recent role with Sauber, Alunni Bravi’s twenty years of motorsport expertise include involvements with with ART Grand Prix, SPARK Racing Technology, and Trident Racing, among others.

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“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,” commented Alunni Bravi.

“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.”

Zak Brown Welcomes Alunni Bravi

“I’m delighted to have Alessandro joining us with his extensive expertise and motorsport background," said Brown.

“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.

McLaren has also confirmed that Steve Atkins, Chief Communications Officer, will depart the team at the end of February after two years, citing personal reasons.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.