Sauber F1 Team has announced that Alessandro Alunni Bravi will step down as team representative and managing director at the end of this month. Bravi joined Sauber in 2017, became managing director in 2022, and has served as team representative since 2023. The announcement comes as Sauber prepares to become an Audi factory team in 2026. Later this year, Jonathan Wheatley, Red Bull’s long-serving sporting director, is expected to take over as Audi team principal. Bravi’s exit is the second leadership change in Formula 1 this month. Mike Krack was recently appointed Aston Martin’s chief trackside officer, with Andy Cowell stepping in as team principal. Bravi joined Sauber’s board in 2017 after the team was invested in by Longbow Finance, led by Tetra Pak billionaire Finn Rausing.
Alessandro Alunni Bravi:'It is an emotional time as my journey with Sauber reaches its end. Since I joined in 2017, I have seen this team grow and change beyond what anyone could have imagined. This organisation went through exciting and difficult times alike, all without ever losing its spirit and its commitment, which is something I find inspiring, and I was proud of being able to represent the team as its public face in the last two years. As I move on to a new project, I want to thank Finn Rausing, all those who put so much trust and faith in me at Sauber and Audi, and all the colleagues I have been working with for the last eight years. This team is a family and has a bright future ahead.'
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COO and CTO of Sauber Motorsport Mattia Binotto said: 'Having worked closely with him in the months since my arrival to Hinwil, I want to pay tribute to Alessandro, a true team player who came to embody the essence of Sauber throughout the years. Alessandro played a wide range of roles within the team, steering it through difficult and exciting times alike. As he moves onto a new venture, the whole company would like to thank him for all his energy and contributions over the years and wish him the best for the future.'
F1: Team Final Run as Sauber
The 2026 season will be Sauber’s final year under its current name, which has been part of the team’s identity since 1993. Over the years, Sauber has partnered with manufacturers such as BMW and Alfa Romeo, reflecting its changing commercial alliances.
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In 2026, the team will transition into a full works Audi team, marking a major shift in its operations. To lead this transformation, Sauber has appointed Jonathan Wheatley, a senior figure from Red Bull Racing, as its next team principal. Wheatley’s operational and sporting experience will play a key role in preparing the team for its new chapter.
Before Wheatley takes over, Mattia Binotto, former Ferrari team principal, is expected to act as interim team principal.
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