Bravi Exits Sauber: Wheatley’s Arrival Sparks Change

Alessandro Alunni Bravi will leave Sauber F1 at January’s end, with no new role after Jonathan Wheatley’s team principal appointment.

Sauber’s team representative and managing director, Alessandro Alunni Bravi, will leave the team at the end of January 2025.

The Italian joined the team in 2017 as legal advisor and board member, bringing decades of motorsport experience to the company. Appointed managing director in 2022 with a focus on marketing, communications, sales, and other departments, he became the public face of the team in 2023, serving as its representative at all official functions during race weekends and off-track events.

With Jonathan Wheatley arriving from Red Bull Racing as team principal on April 1 (earlier than the initially planned summer 2025), Bravi’s role was set to change at a minimum. Ultimately, it resulted in his departure, with no further position for him at Sauber. Bravi, however, hinted at a new project he has yet to disclose.

“Having worked closely with him in the months following my arrival in Hinwil, I want to pay tribute to Alessandro, a true team player who embodied the essence of Sauber over the years,” said Mattia Binotto.

“Alessandro has held a wide range of roles within the team, leading it through both challenging and exciting times. As he embarks on a new adventure, the entire company wishes to thank him for his energy and contributions over the years and wishes him all the best for the future.”

Alessandro Alunni Bravi admits, “This is an emotional moment as my journey with Sauber comes to an end.”

“Since I joined the team in 2017, I’ve seen it grow and evolve beyond what anyone could have imagined. This organization has faced both exciting and challenging times, yet it has never lost its spirit and commitment, something I find truly inspiring. I’ve been proud to represent the team as its public face over the past two years.”

“As I take on a new project, I want to thank Finn Rausing, everyone at Sauber and Audi who placed their trust in me, and all the colleagues I’ve worked with over the past eight years. This team is a family and has a bright future ahead.”