Paris (AFP)

Sean Bratches, a member of the Formula 1 trio as director of commercial operations for promoter Formula 1, will step down at the end of January while retaining an advisory role, F1 announced on Monday.

"After three years in this role, Sean has decided to return to the United States to be closer to his family," said Formula 1 in a statement, adding that the majority of his subordinates will now respond to CEO Chase Carey.

Bratches had taken on this role in early 2017 following the takeover by the American group Liberty Media of F1, longtime led by the British Bernie Ecclestone. By his side, the American Carey was appointed CEO and the engineer and former British stable manager Ross Brawn sports and technical director.

Bratches' mandate was to transform sport into a "world class business group", recalls Formula 1. "All key figures, including the number of spectators, viewers and engagement on digital and social media, have increased over the during his term, "he added.

He is notably responsible for the arrival of F1 on the Netflix video-on-demand platform in 2019 with the documentary series "Drive to survive".

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