Racing Bulls have secured the long-term future of their team principal by extending Alan Permane’s contract through the end of 2031, a move that underlines Red Bull’s satisfaction with the direction of its second Formula 1 team. The Alan Permane contract extension was confirmed as the team sits fifth in the constructors’ championship after 19 races, leading the chasing pack behind the sport’s established top four.
Permane, 59, took charge of Racing Bulls in July 2025 after stepping up from racing director when Laurent Mekies moved to Red Bull as team principal following Christian Horner’s dismissal. The Englishman had joined the organisation at the start of 2024, bringing a wealth of experience from a long career at the Enstone-based outfit.
Progress on and off the track
Under Permane’s leadership, Racing Bulls ended a four-year wait for a podium finish when Isack Hadjar finished in the top three at last season’s Dutch Grand Prix. That result has been followed by a consistent campaign this year, with the team currently occupying fifth place in the standings – the best of the rest behind the ‘big four’.
Oliver Mintzlaff, who oversees Red Bull’s Formula 1 programme as chief executive officer of corporate projects and investments, praised Permane’s contribution. He said the team’s progress directly reflects Permane’s experience, commitment and competitive mindset, adding that the team principal brings clarity, composure and a deep understanding of what is required to perform in Formula 1. Mintzlaff also highlighted the environment Permane has created, where people can consistently deliver at their best, and described the results in recent seasons as evidence of the strength of the team and the work being done throughout the organisation.
Leadership rooted in experience
Before his time at Red Bull, Permane spent 34 years at the team based in Enstone, Oxfordshire, working through its various guises as Benetton, Renault and Lotus. During that period, he was part of two world championship-winning campaigns with Michael Schumacher and two with Fernando Alonso.
Permane expressed pride at continuing the journey and thanked everyone at Red Bull for their trust and support. He said what makes the team special is the shared spirit of everyone involved – trackside, in Faenza and in Milton Keynes – and described it as a privilege to lead such a talented and committed group every day. He also noted that fighting for fifth in the championship is something everyone should be proud of, but stressed it is the result of years of hard work from many people and that the team is not done yet. Permane added that the right people and culture are in place, along with a clear sense of direction, and that he is excited to keep pushing together.
The extension gives Racing Bulls stability as they look to build on their current momentum and close the gap to the front-running teams in the years ahead.
