Alan Permane is the latest engineer to be appointed team principal. With 36 seasons in Formula 1, he has always been eager to learn in a role he never initially aimed for. At Faenza, he quickly settled in thanks to a united management team working in the same direction. The goal? Achieving excellent results, like Zandvoort’s impressive third place.
A wave of team principal changes in F1
Since January 1, 2023, nine out of the ten Formula 1 teams have appointed new team principals. In just two and a half years, daily team management has passed to figures with much in common: a solid technical background and extensive on-track experience. Alan Permane is the latest to join this list, leading Racing Bulls since last July, following Laurent Mekies’ move to Red Bull.
Having spent 36 of his 58 years in Formula 1, his career began as a junior engineer at Benetton and has culminated in leading the 800 people working across Faenza and Milton Keynes. His wealth of experience has made him one of the most respected figures in the paddock. After 34 years away from the spotlight, two years ago he moved from the UK to Faenza for a new professional and personal challenge, taking on a role that increasingly places him in front of microphones. In a conversation with Motorsport.com, he revealed not only deep motorsport knowledge but also a career rich in hands-on experience and leadership.
The journey to team principal
When asked if he ever imagined reaching the role he holds today, Permane admitted that he never did. He had always been a trackside engineer, later becoming head of track engineers and sporting director. Upon joining Racing Bulls, he transitioned into a more managerial, yet still technical, role as Racing Director. Becoming team principal was a surprise he did not anticipate.
He credited his extensive experience and acknowledged that there is still much to learn. “I feel a huge responsibility: 550 people in Faenza and 250 in Milton Keynes rely on me,” he said, expressing gratitude to Oliver Mintzlaff, Helmut Marko, and Laurent Mekies for the opportunity.
Adapting to Faenza and the team culture
Permane described his move to Faenza as a significant change after over thirty years with one team. He was impressed by the executive group, who are highly competent and support each other. “I felt part of the family immediately—Faenza, Milton Keynes, and the broader Red Bull family. Having such a strong support network is fundamental,” he said.
The rise of technical leaders in F1
Asked about the trend of technically experienced figures becoming team principals, Alan Permane noted that F1 teams have grown complex, with clear divisions between commercial and technical aspects. He believes that having both a team principal and a managing director may become increasingly common. Communication improvements, especially post-COVID, have strengthened collaboration between Faenza and Milton Keynes, and some staff have relocated to Italy to fully immerse themselves in the team’s environment.
Performance, drivers, and the 2025 season
Reflecting on Racing Bulls’ progress, Alan Permane highlighted the team’s strong car and the ease of handling as a key advantage. He praised the work with drivers like Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar, emphasizing their talent, adaptability, and rapid learning curve. Isack Hadjar’s podium at Zandvoort was especially meaningful as it marked Permane’s first podium as team principal. He described the joy of the team celebrating together and stressed that the success belongs to everyone, not just him.
Alan Permane also addressed the team’s approach to preparing young drivers for Red Bull, their in-season development program, and the balance between maintaining the car’s DNA while implementing updates. Looking ahead, he outlined expectations for the 2026 regulations, including challenges with aerodynamic load, car weight, and the new Red Bull power unit developed with Ford.
Looking ahead to 2026
Alan Permane anticipates that 2026 will bring many new variables, but emphasizes that aerodynamic performance will remain crucial. He expressed confidence in the talent and resources within Formula 1 to produce exciting cars and races, noting that driver adaptation will continue to be a learning process. The focus remains on meticulous teamwork, strategy, and execution to achieve strong results every weekend.
“No one really knows where the competition stands, and even pre-season testing won’t give the full picture. But that uncertainty is exciting, and we’re eager to discover our position when Melbourne qualifying arrives,” Alan Permane concluded.
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