Sean Bratches leaves Formula One role as Commercial boss

Liberty Media

Sean Bratches leaves Formula One role

Chase Carey to take on additional responsibilities

Sam Hall

Monday 20 January 2020 14:47

Formula One confirm that Sean Bratches will step down from his role as Managing Director of Commercial Operations at the end of January after growing tired of the stresses the role has put on his family life.

After three-years in the role, Bratches has decided to remove himself from the Formula One paddock. Rather than cut ties completely, Bratches will continue operate in an advisory role from a U.S. base.

“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.

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"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.”

Bratches had been charged with transforming the image of F1 - in a time where so much focus is on clean energy, promoting a motorsport was not a simple task - and he was incredibly successful in this role.

The Netflix series 'Drive to Survive' was positively received and was justifiably renewed for a second season while live demonstrations in city centres also helped to drive up viewing figures and attendances.

“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," said Formula One CEO and Chairman, Chase Carey.

"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.”