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McLaren Racing is pleased to announce that Alessandro Alunni Bravi will join McLaren Racing as its new Chief Business Affairs Officer, effective 1 February 2025. Reporting directly to CEO Zak Brown, Alessandro will be a key member of the McLaren Racing Executive Team, contributing his vast expertise to drive the team’s business operations forward.
This newly created role underscores McLaren’s commitment to excellence both on and off the track. Alessandro will provide executive leadership across a broad range of business areas, including legal matters, driver development, driver contract management, and managing relationships with rights holders and governing bodies. A significant part of his role will be overseeing the Driver Development programme, a responsibility transitioning from Stephanie Carlin, who has successfully elevated the programme over the past year. Stephanie will now take on additional responsibilities within Formula 1, continuing to report to Team Principal Andrea Stella.
Alessandro brings over two decades of experience in motorsport and business leadership. Most recently, he served as Managing Director of the Sauber Group and Team Representative for the Stake F1 Team, where he played a pivotal role in corporate decision-making, group development, and strategic planning. His distinguished career also includes leadership roles at ART Grand Prix, SPARK Racing Technology, and Trident Racing, showcasing a track record of driving success and innovation in the motorsport industry.
In related news, McLaren Racing confirms that Steve Atkins, Chief Communications Officer, will step down at the end of February 2025 after two impactful years with the team. Steve is leaving for personal reasons, citing a desire to focus on family priorities while exploring professional opportunities closer to home.
Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, commented:
“I’m delighted to welcome Alessandro to McLaren Racing. His extensive expertise and motorsport background make him the ideal choice to lead our legal and driver development functions while providing invaluable support across all professional driver business management matters, racing governance activities, and business operations for our various series. We look forward to seeing his positive impact on the McLaren Racing family.
“I also want to extend my gratitude to Steve for his significant contributions to McLaren’s success over the last two seasons. His communication leadership has been exemplary, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”
Alessandro Alunni Bravi, incoming Chief Business Affairs Officer, McLaren Racing, said:
“McLaren is a team I have admired my entire life, and it is a personal milestone to have the opportunity to work with such a remarkable group of people. I am deeply grateful to Zak and the Board for placing their trust in me, and I am committed to giving my utmost dedication to contribute to McLaren’s ongoing success. Teamwork is at the core of everything, and I am thrilled to join an organisation that sets the benchmark in Formula 1 both on and off the track. I can’t wait to get started in February.”
Steve Atkins, Chief Communications Officer, McLaren Racing, said:
“After two advantageous years with McLaren, I have decided to step down from my role for personal reasons. The role’s extensive international travel has been enriching but also challenging, and I now feel it is the right time to focus on family priorities while seeking a new professional challenge closer to home. I want to thank everyone in the McLaren family for their support and camaraderie and look forward to cheering on the team as they achieve even greater success in the future.”
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McLaren Racing extends its heartfelt thanks to Alessandro and Steve as they embark on their new chapters. The team is confident that Alessandro’s leadership will contribute significantly to its continued growth and success, and it wishes Steve all the best in his future endeavours.
