Red Bull extends Alan Permane’s contract as Racing Bulls principal

Red Bull has extended Alan Permane’s contract to keep him as Racing Bulls team principal and co-CEO sporting through the end of 2031. This long-term deal provides continuity for the Faenza-based squad as they continue to climb the standings. Permane joined the team in January 2024 as racing director. He worked alongside Laurent Mekies before Mekies was promoted to Red Bull in July 2025. Following that promotion, Permane took over the team principal role. He brings more than three decades of Formula 1 experience to the leadership position. He started his career with Benetton 34 years ago. He worked his way through the ranks at the Enstone team, serving as sporting director before joining Racing Bulls. I believe his deep history in the sport makes him the obvious choice to lead this group.

Scoring increases under new leadership

The performance data shows the team is moving in the right direction. Under Permane, the team has increased its scoring output every single year.

In 2024, the team scored 46 points, and they increased that to 92 points in 2025. The squad currently holds a 39-point lead over Alpine with four race weekends remaining in the season. This result would be the team’s highest championship finish since its founding as Minardi in 1985. The team achieved its first podium under the Racing Bulls name at the Dutch Grand Prix last year. Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO Corporate Projects and Investments at Red Bull, said Permane brings clarity, composure, and a deep understanding of what it takes to perform in Formula One, and he creates an environment where people can consistently deliver at their best. Mintzlaff also stated that the results the team has achieved in recent seasons reflect the strength of the organization and the work being done throughout it. He noted that Permane and Co-CEO Commercial Peter Bayer form a strong leadership team. Permane previously worked for the Alpine squad from 1989 to 2023 in roles including race engineer and sporting director, winning world titles with drivers like Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso.

Driver seats remain undecided

The driver situation for next year remains unresolved. The team has not yet confirmed either of its drivers for next year’s championship, leaving Liam Lawson, Arvid Lindblad, and Nikola Tsolov in the running. Peter Bayer told ORF that the decision rests with Alan and he will announce it when he feels the time is right. He added that Permane will make the right choice for the team and they discussed the matter briefly on Saturday. This leaves a sense of uncertainty for Lawson, as his form is giving Red Bull a headache for 2027. Permane previously told Sky Sports F1 that the team has simply added load and downforce to the car with every upgrade they have brought. He said, "I am immensely proud to be continuing this journey with VCARB." He added, "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." He also mentioned that they should be proud of fighting for fifth in the championship, but he said they are not done yet. He believes they have the right people, the right culture and a clear sense of where they want to go.