[h=2]Brawn appointed in top F1 role by Liberty[/h] Monday, 23 January 2017


Chris Medland / Image by LAT

Ross Brawn has been appointed managing director, motor sports to oversee the sporting aspect of Formula 1 following the takeover by Liberty Media.

Soon after confirmation of the deal, Liberty also confirmed two new recruits at the top of the sport, with former Mercedes and Ferrari technical director Brawn looking after the sporting side and ex-ESPN executive Sean Bratches named as managing director of commercial operations.

"I am delighted to welcome Ross back to Formula 1," Carey said. "In his 40 years in the sport, he's brought his magic touch to every team with which he has worked, has almost unparalleled technical knowledge, experience and relationships, and I have already benefitted greatly from his advice and expertise.
"I am thrilled Sean is joining Formula 1. Sean was a driving force in building ESPN into one of the world's leading sports franchises. His expertise and experience in sales, marketing, digital media, and distribution will be invaluable as we grow Formula 1.
"I look forward to working with Ross and Sean, as well as key current executives including Duncan Llowarch, our CFO, and Sacha Woodward Hill, our General Counsel, the FIA, Bernie and Liberty as we work together to make Formula 1 the best it can be for the teams, promoters and fans for years to come."
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Brawn has been out of F1 since leaving Mercedes at the end of the 2013 season having previously been team principal and won the drivers' and constructors' championship with his eponymous team in 2009. After acting as a consultant for Liberty since September, the 62-year-old will now take on a full-time role.
"It's fantastic to be returning to the world of Formula 1," Brawn said. "I've enjoyed consulting with Liberty Media these last few months and I'm looking forward to working with Chase, Sean and the rest of the Formula 1 Teams to help the evolution of the sport. We have an almost unprecedented opportunity to work together with the teams and promoters for a better F1 for them and, most importantly, for the fans."
Bratches has been at ESPN for nearly three decades and Liberty highlights how "his contributions helped to fuel tremendous growth in ESPN's brand and revenue." He will take control of a number of areas formerly looked after by Ecclestone, while looking at avenues for F1 to expand into.
"I'm very excited to be joining Formula 1 and contribute to the continued growth of this extraordinary global brand and sport," Bratches said. "Formula 1 is one of few truly global tier one sports, and I am encouraged by the manifold opportunities to materially grow the business, work closely with current and future sponsors, race circuits, television rights holders as well as create next generation digital and on-site race experiences to best serve the Formula 1 fans."
Both appointments are effective immediately.