Visa Cash App Racing Bulls has confirmed the extension of Alan Permane’s contract as Team Principal until the conclusion of the 2031 Formula 1 season. Permane also holds the position of Co-CEO Sporting within the Faenza-based outfit.
Permane initially joined the Red Bull-owned team as Racing Director in January 2024. He assumed the role of Team Principal in July 2025, succeeding Laurent Mekies.
Mekies transitioned to Oracle Red Bull Racing in July 2025, where he now serves as CEO and Team Principal. He recently secured his own long-term contract extension with the senior Red Bull team until the end of 2031.
Under Permane’s leadership, Visa Cash App Racing Bulls is currently placed fifth in the 2026 Constructors’ Championship standings. The team has accumulated 102 points, including results from sprint events.
This position represents a potential new benchmark for the team, which finished sixth in the 2025 Constructors’ Championship. That result equalled their previous best performance.
The team also secured its first podium under the Racing Bulls name at the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix. Drivers Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad currently compete for the team in 2026.
Lawson holds ninth place in the Drivers’ Standings with 83 points, while Lindblad is eleventh with 38 points. Yuki Tsunoda is a reserve driver for the team.
Permane’s Formula 1 career spans over three decades, beginning in 1989 as a test electronics engineer for Benetton. He progressed through roles including race engineer for Jean Alesi, Jarno Trulli, and Giancarlo Fisichella.
He later served as Chief Race Engineer, Chief Operating Officer, and Sporting Director for the Enstone-based operation through its various iterations, including Renault, Lotus, and Alpine.
Permane contributed to championship victories with Michael Schumacher in 1995 and Fernando Alonso in 2005 and 2006. He departed Alpine in July 2023.
Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull’s CEO of Corporate Projects and Investments, stated that the extension reflects the team’s progress under Permane. Mintzlaff highlighted Permane’s experience, commitment, and competitive mindset.
Mintzlaff also emphasized the partnership between Permane and Peter Bayer, the team’s Co-CEO Commercial. Bayer joined the team in June 2023 as CEO of AlphaTauri.
Bayer oversees the commercial strategy, brand positioning, and partnerships for Visa Cash App Racing Bulls. His background includes five years as FIA Secretary General for Sport.
During his tenure at the FIA, Bayer managed sporting, technical, safety, political, and commercial aspects of motorsport. He also led negotiations for the Concorde Agreement and oversaw the introduction of the F1 Cost Cap.
The team’s origins trace back to Minardi, acquired by Red Bull in 2005. It has operated under names such as Toro Rosso, AlphaTauri, and RB.
Visa Cash App Racing Bulls utilizes Red Bull Ford power units for the 2026 season. The team’s chassis for the current year is designated VCARB 03.
This contract extension provides stability in the team’s senior management structure. It supports their ongoing pursuit of a top-five finish in the 2026 Constructors’ Championship.
