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Alessandro Alunni Bravi’s Departure: A Sign of Changing Times in Formula 1
Alessandro Alunni Bravi’s recent exit from Sauber signifies a notable shift in the landscape of Formula 1, further distancing the sport from its historical ties to Bernie Ecclestone’s era of control. Though not widely recognized among casual fans, Alunni Bravi’s journey through the ranks of motorsport provides a glimpse into the evolution of F1’s corporate structure.
Alunni Bravi began his career with a dual focus: he qualified and practiced as a lawyer while writing for respected Italian publications, including Vroom and Autosprint. His pivotal moment arrived in 2002 when he was tasked with addressing legal matters for a European F3000 race in Cagliari, Sicily. This opportunity emerged from the request of Pasquale Lattuneddu, an influential figure within the F1 paddock and a close associate of Ecclestone.
Lattuneddu was known for his ability to exert his influence throughout the F1 grid, often acting with a level of authority reminiscent of organized crime figures. He had the power to grant or revoke paddock access at a moment’s notice, making his presence both respected and feared. During this short-lived F3000 event at the Stadio Sant’Elia, a select group of F1 media was invited to promote the race, and Alunni Bravi’s involvement led to further opportunities in motorsport.
The favor he gained from Lattuneddu opened many doors for Alunni Bravi within the tightly-knit circle of Ecclestone’s associates. After briefly helming Trident Racing in GP2, he was approached by Nicolas Todt, another well-connected name in motorsport, who offered him a position at ART Grand Prix. This opportunity paved the way for Alunni Bravi’s eventual move to Sauber in 2017, facilitated by his relationship with Fred Vasseur, who was transitioning from Renault’s F1 team.
Vasseur, eager to find a trusted partner after his tumultuous tenure at Renault, insisted on Alunni Bravi’s appointment to the Sauber board as part of his agreement to take on the role of team principal. Following Vasseur’s subsequent departure to Ferrari, Alunni Bravi’s title evolved to ‘managing director and team representative,’ a role reflecting the new dynamics under incoming CEO Andreas Seidl, who preferred not to be the public face of the team.
For many years, Alunni Bravi operated effectively behind the scenes, seamlessly conducting team affairs. However, the transition to a more visible role, participating in televised press conferences, presented a significant adjustment for him. His favored approach involved intimate media gatherings, characterized by discussions over coffee and pastries, fostering a more personal atmosphere compared to large-scale press events.
Since Liberty Media acquired F1 and demoted Ecclestone from his longstanding leadership role, the sport has undergone profound transformations, prioritizing corporate governance and transparency. The decision for Lattuneddu not to return for the 2017 season marked the end of an era, showcasing a shift towards a more structured and accountable environment.
With the departure of Alunni Bravi, another chapter in Formula 1’s storied history is closed. Despite being only 50 years old, one must wonder how long his absence will last, given the ongoing evolution within the sport.
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Formula 1
Sauber
Source
www.autosport.com