Bratches to step down as F1 commercial chief

Formula 1 has confirmed Sean Bratches will resign from his role of Managing Director of Commercial Operations at the end of the month.

Bratches joined F1 as its new commercial chief following Liberty Media’s acquisition of the sport back in January 2017, heading up its business interests and exploring new ventures such as the Netflix documentary series and the Extreme Innovation education programme with MIT.

Bratches had been long-rumoured to be considering stepping down from the role to spend more time with his family in the United States, with his departure being confirmed in a statement by F1 on Monday.

“After three years in the role, Sean has decided to return to the United States to be closer to his family and begin his next chapter,” the statement from F1 reads.

“Following Sean’s departure, the majority of his direct reports will report into Chase Carey, Chairman and CEO, Formula 1.”

Bratches “will continue to support the business in an advisory role from the United States”.

“The past three years at Formula 1 have been an incredible journey, one which I have enjoyed thoroughly,” said Bratches.

“I want to personally thank the team at F1 for their extraordinary efforts and dedication, they are the best of the best and I am confident they will continue to serve fans and deliver on the strategy we have set in the years ahead.

“I am proud that I leave Formula 1 in a better position than when I joined in 2017 and I know that the foundation we have put in place as a team will continue to serve our fans around the world and reach new audiences.”

Carey added: “I want to thank Sean on behalf of everyone at Formula 1 for the leadership, passion and expertise he has given to the business over the past three years. Sean has transformed the commercial side of Formula 1 and a testament to his work is shown in our momentum and growth as a business.

“I am pleased Sean will continue to be an advisor for us from his home in the US, he will always be part of the Formula 1 family and I look forward to his ongoing advice and counsel. I wish him all the best in his new endeavours.”