F1: Alfa Romeo F1 Team appoints Italian Managing Director of Sauber Group

Alfa Romeo F1 Team have appointed Italian Alessandro Alunni Bravi, in his capacity of Managing Director of the Sauber Group, to the additional position of Team Representative for the FIA Formula One World Championship. The experienced Italian, who has been part of the Sauber Group since 2017, will be adding this role to his name for the 2023 season and beyond, representing the team in all official functions at race weekends and away from the track.

Alunni Bravi will work alongside veteran sporting director Beat Zehnder and technical director Jan Monchaux.

There will be no formal team principal role; instead leadership will be split three ways.

Alunni Bravi will attend news conferences, attend all briefings and sit on the pit wall.

It is a role that carries responsibilities similar to those of a team principal, but he sits alongside the sporting and technical directors in the structure rather than above them as would be more typical.

The team is in the process of transforming into Audi’s assault on the F1 World Championship.

The German car giant is in the process of taking control of the team, but its name will not be on it until 2026, when new engine regulations come into force and Audi’s power-unit will be in the car.

Until then, the team will continue to use Ferrari engines.

It will race under the Alfa Romeo name this year, before the Italian brand ends its relationship with Sauber at the end of 2023.

The appointment of Alunni Bravi represents one of the first tasks accomplished by the new CEO of the Sauber Group, Andreas Seidl, following the commencement of his tenure at the Swiss company on January 9th. The decision will see Alunni Bravi, in his additional role, work together with the technical and operational departments to continue the team’s growth and success, while delivering to internal and external stakeholders of the team the value Alfa Romeo F1 Team has been known to produce.

Alunni Bravi’s assumption of the Team Representative role will mark a definite step forward for Alfa Romeo F1 Team and the Sauber Group as a whole, allowing Andreas Seidl to focus on his objective of further growth of the Sauber Group, ensuring success in the short term and preparing the team for its exciting future.

Andreas Seidl, CEO of Sauber Group: “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. 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. Alessandro representing the team during the Formula One championship will allow me to focus on growing the Group and preparing for the challenges and opportunities that await us. I thank Alessandro for his belief in our vision and I welcome him to this additional position: I am convinced this is another valuable addition to what is without any doubt a very strong team, from the drivers to the management team, to each one of our employees, capable of building on last year’s success and creating a bright future for Sauber.”

Alessandro Alunni Bravi, Managing Director of Sauber Group and Alfa Romeo F1 Team Representative: “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. 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.”