Italian Alessandro Alunni Bravi has been given a management position with the Alfa Romeo/Sauber team, which will become Audi in 2026.
Sauber Group Managing Director Alunni Bravi has been named the team’s representative.
This makes him one of three team leaders under new chief executive Andreas Seidl.
Alunni Bravi will work alongside veteran sporting director Beat Zehnder and technical director Jan Monchaux.
The role reflects Seidl’s decision to set up Sauber/Alfa Romeo with a different structure to other F1 teams.
There will be no formal team manager role; instead, the leadership will be divided into three.
Alunni Bravi will attend press conferences, attend all briefings and sit on the pit wall.
It’s a role that carries similar responsibilities to a team manager, but sits alongside the sporting and technical directors in the structure rather than above them as would be more typical.
Seidl, appointed in December to lead Sauber’s transition to the Audi works team over the next three years, said: “Alessandro’s vast experience in motorsport has equipped him with all the tools he needs. needs to succeed, and his intimate knowledge of the team, of which he has been a part for more than five years, will ensure stability and continuity in our progress.
“Alessandro representing the team in the Formula 1 championship will allow me to focus on growing the group and preparing for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”
Alunni Bravi, who has been part of the Sauber group since 2017, described the role as a “huge privilege”, adding: “I would like to reiterate my commitment to give the best of myself to live up to their expectations and represent the team in the best way possible.
“I am fully aware of the work ahead of us and the challenges ahead of us: I approach this task with humility, knowing that I am part of a strong team that will get the job done, and with the belief that we have everything we need. we need for a prosperous future.”
The team is transforming into Audi’s assault on the F1 world championship.
The German auto giant is in the process of taking control of the team, but its name won’t be there until 2026, when new engine regulations come into effect and Audi’s powertrain will be in the car.
Until then, the team will continue to use Ferrari engines.
It will race as Alfa Romeo this year, before the Italian brand ends its relationship with Sauber at the end of 2023.
A spokesperson said that, at this time, the ownership of the team has not changed.
