Formula 1 has announced Sean Bratches is to step down from his role as commercial director at the end of this month.
The American was part of the initial three-man leadership team alongside CEO Chase Carey and motorsport director Ross Brawn when Liberty Media assumed control of the sport back in 2017.
Since then, he has played a key part in F1 becoming the fastest growing sport in terms of social media growth, saw the creation of the Netflix docuseries ‘Drive to Survive’ and has secured the future of multiple Grands Prix into the future, including the arrival of the Dutch and Vietnamese GP’s for 2020.
In a statement from the Formula One Group, they praised Bratches for “transforming the commercial business from a predominantly motorsport company to a leading global media and entertainment brand.
“As part of the transformation, he has established a world-class management team and structure that will continue to serve the sport and its fans well into the future,” it added.
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Bratches is expected to remain involved with F1 but in an advisory role from back in the USA as he looks to spend more time with family.
“The past three years at Formula 1 have been an incredible journey, one which I have enjoyed thoroughly,” he commented.
“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.”
F1 CEO Carey is himself expected to step down at the end of 2020, and he paid tribute to Sean’s work in modernising the sport’s commercial structure.
“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,” he stated.
“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.”
No immediate successor has been announced with those who previously reported to Bratches now reporting to Carey direct.