Alan Permane extended as Racing Bulls team principal until 2031

Alan Permane will remain Racing Bulls team principal until the end of 2031 after Red Bull extended his contract. He has held the role since being promoted in July 2025, having previously served as the team’s racing director. His appointment followed his arrival at Racing Bulls at the start of 2024.

The 59-year-old Englishman succeeded Laurent Mekies, who moved to the same role at Red Bull after Christian Horner was sacked. The new deal gives Racing Bulls continuity in its leadership for the seasons ahead.

Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull’s chief executive officer of corporate projects and investments, praised Permane’s work: “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 also highlighted Permane’s ability to bring “clarity, composure, and a deep understanding of what it takes to perform in Formula 1”, while creating an environment in which people can deliver at their best.

Permane’s career stretches well beyond Racing Bulls. Before joining Red Bull, he spent 34 years with the team based in Enstone, through its periods as Benetton, Renault and Lotus. That spell included two world titles with Michael Schumacher and two more with Fernando Alonso.

Under Permane, Racing Bulls scored 46 points in 2024, followed by 92 last season, and has already earned 108 this season. The team is fifth in the championship after 19 races, leading the teams outside the front-running group. Four rounds remain, and the outfit is close to securing fifth place.

Last season, Racing Bulls claimed its first podium in four years at the Dutch Grand Prix, with Isack Hadjar. In Baku, Permane credited the team’s progress to work on the car: “What we've done through the year is we've just put load on the car. We've just put downforce on, and every time we've brought an upgrade, it's worked.”