F1 commercial chief Bratches to step down from role
Formula 1 has confirmed managing director of commercial operations Sean Bratches is to step down at the end of this month after three years in the role.
Bratches proved a hugely influential figure upon Liberty Media’s acquisition of the sport in 2017.
In that time, he has established a key role in transforming F1’s commercial, marketing and media business, developing it into a leading global media and entertainment brand.
The revamp of F1’s digital platform under Bratches’ reign has take the fans closer to the sport than ever before.
In addition to this, Bratches oversaw the deal with production company giants Netflix to produce the now renowned ‘Drive to Survive’ series, which premiered in 2019.
He also chartered the success of the Esports series, and was a driving force in hosting live F1 car demo runs in some of the world’s major cities.
F1 revealed that “all key metrics including race attendance, television viewership, and digital and social media engagement and usage have increased during his tenure”.
Following his departure, Bratches will return to the US in order to be closer to his family but will remain associated with F1 in an advisory role.
“The past three years at Formula 1 have been an incredible journey, one which I have enjoyed thoroughly,” Bratches said.
“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 Chase 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.”