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Bravi Alfa Romeo’s new F1 chief 

By Thomas Miles

Sauber managing director Alessandro Alunni Bravi is the new team chief of the Alfa Romeo F1 team ahead of season 2023.

After the departure of long-time Sauber CEO and Alfa Romeo F1 boss Frederic Vasseur to lead Ferrari, the Swiss team would split the leadership role into two separate positions.

The squad, which runs under the Alfa Romeo F1 banner swiftly signed up the highly-respected Andreas Seidl from McLaren as CEO.

But it was still on the hunt for an F1 team chief and last night it found its man and promoted from within with Alunni Bravi stepping up.

His first major engagement will be the team’s car launch on Tuesday, February 7 before the first race in Bahrain on March 3-5.

Alunni Bravi has been performing the role of managing director of the Sauber Group recently and will take on a position similar to that of a team principal at a Grand Prix.

Alessandro Alunni Bravi (left) at the 2011 Spanish Grand Prix. Image: Motorsport Images

The Italian will work under Seidl and is honoured by the opportunity.

“I want to thank Andreas and our shareholders for their trust, and I want to reiterate my commitment to giving my best to live up to their expectations and represent the team in the best possible way,” said Alunni Bravi.

“It is a huge privilege to keep working with a group of incredible people who, over many years, have helped me integrate within the Sauber Group: what they gave me in this time will enable me to fulfil this task and represent the team according to our shared vision and our objectives.

“I am fully conscious of the work we have ahead of us and of the challenges that face us. I approach this task with humility, knowing I am part of a strong team that will get the job done, and with the belief we have everything we need for a successful future.”

Alunni Bravi might not be the most well-known name, but he brings significant motorsport experience to the role.

Alessandro Alluni Bravi. celebrates with Trident Racing driver Gianmaria Bruni in GP2. Image: Andrew Ferraro/GP2 Series Media Service

His journey started in 2002 when he was the manager of Formula 3000 International outfit Coloni Motorsport before he became the general manager of the WRC Rally Italia Sardinia event for a couple of years.

Alunni Bravi took a step up in 2005 becoming the team principal and managing director of Trident Racing in its GP2 debut season and also worked with ART Grand Prix.

In recent years he also set up his own management company, which has clients such as former F1 drivers Stoffel Vandoorne and Robert Kubica.

But now he will be at F1 himself, heading the Alfa Romeo F1 team after the best part of a year as Sauber’s managing director.

Seidl said Alunni Bravi has the tools to lead the team forward ahead of its new chapter as an Audi works team in 2026.

Alessandro Alunni Bravi will take charge of the Alfa Romeo F1 team. Image: Motorsport Images

“I am delighted to confirm the appointment of Alessandro Alunni Bravi to the role of team representative, in addition to his existing duties of managing director of the group,” said Seidl.

“His vast experience in motorsport has equipped him with all the tools he needs to succeed, and his intimate knowledge of the team, of which he has been part for more than five years, will ensure stability and continuity in our progression.”

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