Racing Bulls Boss Alan Permane Signs Multi-Year Extension Through 2031

Red Bull has secured the long-term future of its secondary Formula 1 squad, signing Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane to a multi-year contract extension that runs through the end of 2031.

The 59-year-old Englishman initially joined the outfit as racing director in January 2024 before stepping into the top leadership role in July 2025. That leadership change occurred when predecessor Laurent Mekies moved over to manage Red Bull Racing following the dismissal of Christian Horner.

Under Permane's guidance, the team secured its first podium under the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls identity when Isack Hadjar finished in the top three at the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix. Matching its best-ever constructors' finish of sixth last season, Racing Bulls currently sits fifth in the 2026 team standings, holding a 39-point margin over Alpine with four race weekends remaining.

Reacting to the extension, Permane praised the collective efforts across the team's operations in Italy and the UK:

"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. 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."

"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."

Oliver Mintzlaff, chief executive officer of corporate projects and investments at Red Bull, emphasized the importance of maintaining continuity across the organization's motorsport program:

"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 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 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."

Mintzlaff also highlighted Permane's working partnership with Co-CEO Commercial Peter Bayer:

"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 organization. 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."

Permane entered Formula 1 more than three decades ago with Benetton, remaining with the Enstone-based squad through its transitions as Renault, Lotus, and Alpine. During his 34-year stint there, he served in key technical roles including chief race engineer and sporting director, contributing to world championship campaigns with Michael Schumacher in 1994 and 1995, as well as Fernando Alonso in 2005 and 2006.

With his own future secured, Permane will now turn his attention to finalizing the team's driver lineup for the upcoming season, with Liam Lawson, Arvid Lindblad, and Nikola Tsolov currently in contention for race seats.

Speaking to broadcaster ORF, Peter Bayer confirmed that Permane holds full authority over driver selection decisions:

"That decision rests with Alan, and he will make it, or rather, announce it when he feels the time is right. At the end of the day, the decision lies with Alan. And he will make the right choice for the team. We chatted about that briefly on Saturday."