Racing Bulls lock in Permane with new long-term deal

Racing Bulls has moved to secure the man behind its impressive resurgence, handing team principal Alan Permane a long-term contract extension that will keep him at the helm of the Faenza-based outfit until the end of the 2031 Formula 1 season.

The commitment is a significant vote of confidence in the experienced Briton, whose steady leadership has coincided with a remarkable improvement in the team's competitive fortunes.

Having inherited the top job following Laurent Mekies' promotion to Red Bull last year, Permane has quickly established himself as a central figure in the organisation's ongoing development.

Red Bull clearly likes what it sees, and with Racing Bulls on course for its best Constructors' Championship result in its history, there is little mystery behind the decision to put long-term faith in its team principal.

Red Bull backs Permane's leadership

Permane's association with the Red Bull junior outfit began ahead of the 2024 season, when he joined as racing director after spending more than three decades in Enstone, with Benetton, Renault and Alpine.

Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull's CEO of Corporate Projects and Investments, was emphatic in explaining why the group wanted to retain Permane's services.

“Alan is doing a tremendous job, and the progress the team has made is a direct reflection of his experience, commitment and competitive mindset,” he said.

“He brings clarity, composure, and a deep understanding of what it takes to perform in Formula 1, while creating an environment where people can consistently deliver at their best.

“The results Visa Cash App Racing Bulls has achieved in recent seasons underline the strength of the team and the work being done throughout the organisation. Alan has played a key role in that progress, and we are very pleased that he will continue to lead the team as we look to build on this momentum in the years ahead.

“Together with Peter Bayer as Co-CEO Commercial, Alan forms a strong and experienced leadership team. They complement each other exceptionally well, bringing different strengths and perspectives to the organisation. I am delighted that we have this stability and continuity in place, providing a clear platform for the team’s future development and long-term ambitions.”

Proud to be on Racing Bulls' journey

The numbers offer perhaps the clearest illustration of the progress made under Permane. Racing Bulls collected 46 points in 2024, increased that tally to 92 last season and has already accumulated 108 in the current campaign.

The team is now all but assured of fifth place in the Constructors' standings, the best results in its long history.

For Permane, the new contract is an endorsement of the collective effort behind the team's progress, rather than simply a personal achievement.

“I am immensely proud to be continuing this journey with VCARB, and I would like to thank everyone at Red Bull for the trust and support they have given me,” he said.

“What makes this team special is the shared spirit of everyone; trackside, in Faenza and in Milton Keynes, and it is a privilege to lead such a talented and committed group every day.

• Read also: Worried Lawson still has no guarantees over Racing Bulls future

“Fighting for fifth in the championship is something we should all be very proud of, but it is the result of years of hard work from a lot of people, and we are not done yet. We have the right people, the right culture and a clear sense of where we want to go, and I am excited to keep pushing together.”

With stability now secured through 2031, Racing Bulls can concentrate on building upon its strongest period in recent memory.

Permane has helped turn a team that spent much of its recent existence fighting for scraps into a credible midfield force.

Red Bull's message is clear: the man steering that progress is very much part of its long-term plans.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook