Racing Bulls announced a long-term contract extension for Alan Permane on November 6, as the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend began. He will remain Team Principal and Co-CEO Sporting through the end of 2031. Peter Bayer continues as Co-CEO Commercial.
Permane is the subject of this extension. He continues to work alongside Bayer, who leads the commercial side, preserving the current division of responsibilities. The end-of-2031 commitment stated in the announcement applies to Permane.
From Racing Director to Team Principal
According to the announcement, Permane joined as Racing Director in January 2024, working alongside then-Team Principal Laurent Mekies, before taking over as Team Principal in July 2025. The team says it subsequently earned its first podium as VCARB at the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix and finished sixth in the championship, matching its previous best.
Permane brings more than three decades of Formula One experience. Starting his career at Benetton, he spent 34 years with the Enstone organisation as Race Engineer, Chief Race Engineer and later Sporting Director, contributing to championship-winning programmes with Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso.
A points platform for fifth place
The official standings after Mexico put Racing Bulls fifth on 108 points and Alpine sixth on 69, a gap of 39. The team says finishing the season in fifth would secure its best annual result.
In the announcement, Permane thanked Red Bull for its trust and credited the long-term efforts of staff at the track, in Faenza and in Milton Keynes. He said the fight for fifth was a source of pride but that the job was not finished, pointing to the people, culture and clear direction already in place.
Continuity across sporting and commercial leadership
Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull’s CEO Corporate Projects and Investments, linked the team’s progress to Permane’s experience, commitment and competitive mindset. He also highlighted the complementary strengths and perspectives of Permane and Bayer, describing stability and continuity as a foundation for long-term development.
