Racing Bulls makes key ‘long-term contract extension’ announcement

Racing Bulls has signed one of its key players to a new long-term contract, with Alan Permane staying on as team principal until 2031.

Permane joined the team in 2024 and was appointed team principal in July last year after Red Bull promoted Laurent Mekies to Red Bull.

Racing Bulls has extended Alan Permane’s contract for five seasons

Under Permane’s leadership, Racing Bulls has climbed to fifth in the Constructors’ Championship.

The team holds a 39-point lead over Alpine with four race weekends remaining.

Permane has been entrusted to guide the team for the next five years.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Permane brings to the table three decades of Formula 1 experience, having started with Benetton 34 years ago.

He worked his way up the ranks with the Enstone team, and was the team’s sporting director when he left to join Racing Bulls.

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Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO Corporate Projects and Investments Red Bull, added: “Alan is doing tremendous jo, 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 One, while creating an environment where people can consistently deliver at their best.

“The results Visa Cash App 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 build on this momentum in the years ahead.

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 organisation.

“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.”

Racing Bulls has yet to confirm either of its drivers for next year’s championship, with Liam Lawson, Arvid Lindblad and Nikola Tsolov in the running.

Racing Bulls CEO Peter Bayer says Permane will have the final say.

“That decision rests with Alan, and he will make it, or rather, announce it when he feels the time is right,” he told ORF.

“Aat the end of the day,” he added, “the decision lies with Alan. And he will make the right choice for the team. We chatted about that briefly on Saturday.”

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