Racing Bulls team opts for continuity: Team principal Permane to stay until 2031

Liam Lawson’s future with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls remains uncertain, but the Faenza-based team has clarified an important personnel matter: Team Principal Alan Permane has extended his contract until 2031, meaning Red Bull Racing’s sister team is also prioritising continuity. On 14 October, Red Bull’s first team had already confirmed the contract extension with Red Bull Racing team principal Laurent Mekies.

Permane has been part of the Formula 1 paddock for more than three decades. The 59-year-old Briton began his career with the Benetton team. He remained loyal to the Enstone-based team for 34 years, holding various roles, including race engineer, then principal race engineer and finally sporting director.

In January 2024, he moved to the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls team, initially taking on the role of racing director before taking over the team principal’s reins from Mekies in July 2025, when Mekies succeeded Christian Horner at Red Bull Racing.

Key to success: Permane plays a pivotal role at VCARB

Oliver Mintzlaff knows what a valuable asset Permane is. Red Bull’s CEO of Corporate Projects and Investments said of the contract extension: “Alan is doing an outstanding job, and the progress the team has made directly reflects his experience, his commitment and his competitive mindset. He brings clarity, composure and a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in Formula 1, whilst at the same time creating an environment in which people can consistently perform at their best.”

Permane is a key factor in the team’s success, the German emphasises: “The results achieved by Visa Cash App Racing Bulls over the past few seasons underline the strength of the team and the work being done across the organisation. Alan has played a key role in this progress, and we are delighted that he will continue to lead the team as we aim to build on this momentum in the coming years.”

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And Mintzlaff confirms that there will be no changes to the leadership structure: “Together with Peter Bayer as Co-CEO Commercial, Alan forms a strong and experienced leadership team. They complement each other perfectly and bring different strengths and perspectives to the organisation. I am delighted that we have this stability and continuity, which provides a clear foundation for the team’s future development and long-term goals.”

Team principal Alan Permane warns: the World Championship battle is not over yet

Permane himself says: “I am immensely proud to continue on this journey with VCARB, and I would like to thank everyone at Red Bull for the trust and support they have shown in me. What makes this team so special is the shared team spirit of everyone – at the circuit, in Faenza and in Milton Keynes. And it is a privilege to lead such a talented and dedicated group every day.”

“The battle for fifth place in the Constructors’ Championship is something we should all be very proud of, but it is the result of years of hard work by many people, and we are still a long way from our goal. We have the right people, the right culture and a clear vision of where we want to go, and I look forward to continuing to move forward together,” the Briton adds with determination.