BREAKING: McLaren ANNOUNCES Major SIGNING as Ricciardo’s Possible RETURN stirs SPECULATIONS…read more
McLaren Announces Major Signing as Ricciardo’s Possible Return Stirs Speculation
McLaren Racing, the reigning 2024 Formula 1 constructors’ champions, has made a significant new signing ahead of the 2025 season, signaling their intent to maintain dominance in the sport. The team, which triumphed over fierce rivals like Ferrari and Red Bull to secure their first constructors’ title in 26 years, is wasting no time in strengthening their organization for the future. Their latest move is the recruitment of Alessandro Alunni Bravi, the former Sauber team chief, who will join McLaren as their new Chief Business Affairs Officer. This appointment comes only days after Bravi announced his departure from Sauber, marking a fresh chapter in his career within the McLaren family.
In an official statement, McLaren confirmed that Bravi’s role is a newly created position, designed to enhance the team’s leadership across various business aspects of their racing operations. Bravi, a highly regarded figure in the motorsport world, will bring his wealth of experience and knowledge to McLaren at a time when the team is riding high on its championship success but eager to build on that momentum for the 2025 season and beyond.
Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, offered further insight into why the team sought to bring Bravi into their ranks. “I’m delighted to have Alessandro joining us with his extensive expertise and motorsport background,” Brown said in the statement. Brown emphasized the multifaceted nature of Bravi’s new responsibilities, which will include managing the legal and driver development functions within the team. Additionally, Bravi will play a crucial role in business management for McLaren’s professional drivers, contribute to racing governance, and work closely with governing bodies and other key stakeholders. His broad business expertise will be applied not only to McLaren’s Formula 1 team but also to their involvement in other racing series.
Brown expressed confidence that Bravi’s experience and leadership would be invaluable to McLaren as they continue to solidify their place at the top of Formula 1. “We look forward to welcoming him to the McLaren Racing family in February,” Brown added.
For Bravi, the move to McLaren is both a professional challenge and a personal milestone. Reflecting on his new role, Bravi admitted to feeling “special emotions” about joining a team that he has admired for many years. “McLaren is a team I have been a huge fan of my whole life, and it therefore sparks special emotions personally to have the opportunity to now work with such an amazing group of people,” he said. Bravi went on to express his excitement about becoming part of a team that he believes exemplifies excellence both on and off the track.
He also acknowledged the trust that Zak Brown and the McLaren board have placed in him, promising to dedicate himself fully to contributing to the team’s ongoing success. “I want to reward the trust and confidence that Zak and the board have put in me by giving my full dedication and effort to help contribute to the continued success, as I believe teamwork is key to everything,” Bravi said. He concluded by noting that he is eager to get started in his new role, which officially begins in February 2025.
McLaren’s decision to bring Bravi on board is a clear indication that they are not content to rest on their laurels following their 2024 constructors’ championship victory. Instead, they are focused on building a long-term foundation for continued success, both in the constructors’ and drivers’ championships. In 2024, McLaren’s lead driver Lando Norris had a stellar season, pushing Red Bull’s Max Verstappen throughout the year. However, it was Verstappen who ultimately claimed his fourth consecutive drivers’ title, clinching the championship at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
McLaren will be hoping that the addition of Bravi, along with other potential changes, will strengthen their position in 2025 and allow them to mount an even more formidable challenge for both the constructors’ and drivers’ titles. Norris, who has emerged as one of the most talented drivers on the grid, will likely be at the forefront of McLaren’s efforts to dethrone Verstappen and take his place as Formula 1’s top driver.
Meanwhile, discussions surrounding Daniel Ricciardo’s potential return to McLaren have reignited following this latest announcement. Ricciardo, who had a brief but challenging stint with the team before parting ways, has been linked to a possible return in the future. Speculation around Ricciardo’s next move has been swirling since his return to the grid with AlphaTauri in 2024. Although Ricciardo faced difficulties during his initial time at McLaren, both he and the team have expressed a willingness to leave the door open for a future reunion under the right circumstances.
Ricciardo’s return to McLaren would be a major storyline in Formula 1, given the Australian driver’s popularity and proven ability to win races when provided with the right machinery. While no official discussions have been confirmed, the combination of Norris and Ricciardo could make for a formidable driver lineup if McLaren decides to pursue that option. With McLaren’s recent success and Ricciardo’s renewed energy following his comeback, such a partnership could be mutually beneficial, offering Ricciardo another shot at competing for podiums and wins while adding further depth to McLaren’s driver roster.
However, for now, the team’s focus remains on defending their constructors’ title in 2025 and preparing for the challenges ahead. In addition to Norris, McLaren has been bolstered by the development of their 2024 car, which played a significant role in securing their first championship in over two decades. Their technical team, led by key figures like James Key and Andrea Stella, has made remarkable strides in recent years, and with Bravi’s business acumen now complementing their efforts, McLaren is positioned to continue their upward trajectory.
As McLaren gears up for the 2025 season, they will be aiming not only to maintain their success but to push for even greater heights. Norris has shown that he has the potential to challenge Verstappen, and with further improvements to the car and team structure, McLaren could be poised to take the fight to Red Bull in both the constructors’ and drivers’ championships.
The arrival of Alessandro Alunni Bravi adds another layer of expertise to a team already brimming with talent and ambition. McLaren’s resurgence over the past few years has been one of the most compelling stories in Formula 1, and with new leadership, strategic hires, and a clear focus on long-term success, they appear ready to continue that momentum into 2025 and beyond.
While the Ricciardo rumors may continue to swirl, McLaren’s immediate priorities are clear: defend their constructors’ crown, provide Norris with a car capable of challenging for the drivers’ title, and ensure that their recent success is not a one-off achievement but the start of a new golden era for the team.
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