Racing Bulls have confirmed a long-term contract extension for team principal Alan Permane, keeping the experienced British engineer in charge until the end of 2031 as the team targets its best-ever Formula 1 constructors’ championship finish.
The agreement will see Permane continue in his dual role as team principal and managing director responsible for sporting operations, reinforcing Red Bull’s commitment to stability across its Formula 1 operations.
The announcement follows a similar long-term commitment to Red Bull Racing team principal Laurent Mekies, who recently secured a five-season extension.
Permane joined Racing Bulls in January 2024 as racing director, working alongside Mekies before succeeding him as team principal in July 2025.
Since then, the Faenza-based outfit has established itself as a regular points contender, building on a 2025 campaign that delivered its first podium under the Racing Bulls name.
The team finished sixth in last year’s constructors’ championship, equalling its previous best result. With Racing Bulls now fighting for fifth place in 2026, it has an opportunity to establish a new benchmark.
Red Bull Backs Stability and Long-Term Ambitions
Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull’s chief executive responsible for corporate projects and investments, praised Permane’s contribution to the team’s development and highlighted the importance of retaining his experience.
“Alan is doing a fantastic job, and the progress the team has made is a direct reflection of his experience, commitment and competitive mindset,” Mintzlaff said.
“He brings clarity, calmness and a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in Formula 1, while creating an environment in which everyone can consistently perform at their best.”
Mintzlaff also emphasised the strength of Racing Bulls’ existing leadership structure, with Permane overseeing sporting matters and Peter Bayer serving as managing director responsible for commercial operations.
The arrangement provides continuity across both departments as the team seeks to consolidate its recent progress.
“With Peter Bayer as managing director on the commercial side, Alan forms part of a strong and experienced leadership team,” Mintzlaff added.
“They complement each other exceptionally well, bringing different strengths and perspectives to the organisation.”
Red Bull believes maintaining that structure will provide a solid foundation for Racing Bulls’ future development and competitive ambitions.
Permane Insists Racing Bulls Have More to Achieve
Permane welcomed the extension and expressed his appreciation for the confidence Red Bull has placed in him.
The Briton credited the collective efforts of personnel working at the team’s facilities in Faenza and Milton Keynes, as well as those operating at the circuit.
“I am immensely proud to continue this journey with Racing Bulls, and I want to thank everyone at Red Bull for the trust and support they have given me,” Permane said.
“What makes this team special is the collective spirit that drives everyone, at the circuit, in Faenza and in Milton Keynes.”
Despite Racing Bulls’ encouraging results, Permane stressed that the team remains focused on further improvement rather than treating its current position as the culmination of its efforts.
“Fighting for fifth place in the championship is something we should all be very proud of, but it is the result of several years of hard work from many people, and we are not finished yet,” he explained.
“We have the right people, the right culture and a clear vision of where we want to go.”
His comments underline the team’s intention to turn its recent progress into sustained competitiveness over the coming seasons.
Decades of Formula 1 Experience Behind the Decision
Permane brings more than three decades of Formula 1 experience to Racing Bulls, having spent 34 years with the Enstone-based operation through its various identities, including Benetton, Renault, Lotus and Alpine.
During that period, he held several senior technical and sporting positions, including race engineer, chief race engineer and sporting director.
His career also included involvement in world championship-winning campaigns with Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso.
That extensive background has made Permane a valuable figure within Racing Bulls as the team navigates changing regulations, technical challenges and the demands of modern Formula 1.
By securing his services until 2031, Red Bull has opted for continuity at a time when Racing Bulls is enjoying one of the strongest periods in its history.
With fifth place in the constructors’ championship still within reach, the immediate priority remains delivering the strongest possible finish to 2026 while establishing the foundations for further progress in the years ahead.
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