New Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane has moved swiftly to quash any speculation about upheaval within the squad, including the future of New Zealand driver Liam Lawson, by confirming his priority is to maintain the team’s current trajectory.
Speaking in his first interview since stepping into the top job, Permane made it clear that no sweeping changes are coming, indicating a strong vote of confidence in the team’s structure, performance, and driver line-up.
“The plan of action is to keep things as they are,” Permane said.
“Laurent [Mekies] and Peter [Bayer] have done a fantastic job with this team over the last 18 months, leading to a surge in competitiveness. And I plan to keep that running, keep the team on the same trajectory.”
The comments are especially significant in light of recent rumours suggesting Lawson’s position at Racing Bulls might be under threat, particularly after his unexpected exit from Red Bull’s senior team earlier this year.
Permane’s remarks put those rumours to bed, indicating the Kiwi will be given the time and opportunity he never received at the top team.
Permane’s promotion follows major shakeups across the Red Bull organisation, triggered by the dramatic departure of long-time Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner.
Laurent Mekies was named as Horner’s successor, leaving a vacancy at Racing Bulls that has now been filled by Permane, who had served as the team’s racing director since January.
Reflecting on the surprise call-up, Permane said: “I had many reactions to the news — some shock, some pride. It’s amazing that they feel I’m capable and have the potential to lead this team.
“I deeply thank the Red Bull Austria senior management, Oliver Mintzlaff and Helmut Marko, and of course Laurent for recommending me. It’s been a great week.”
Permane, 58, brings over three decades of Formula 1 experience, having held long-term roles at Enstone through its Benetton, Renault, Lotus and Alpine eras. Despite his veteran status, becoming a team principal wasn’t something he expected.
“I think sporting director gives you a decent grounding,” he said. “It’s a much bigger role, of course… But I’m very ready to take it on and I’m confident I’ll do a good job.”
His immediate priority is a smooth continuation rather than radical reform. With the team’s competitiveness improving, particularly in the crowded midfield, Permane intends to build on that momentum.
“The target is to be top of the midfield, and we are certainly in a battle for that and we’ll continue that fight throughout this year,” he added.
As for operational changes, Racing Bulls will not replace Permane’s previous position of racing director immediately. Instead, Chief Race Engineer Mattia Spini will assume additional responsibilities.
“At the moment, we won’t fill it. We won’t change things immediately,” Permane explained.
“Mattia will step up, and he’s an excellent chief race engineer. He’s keen to do more and certainly has the capability.
“Inevitably, I’ll be involved a bit more in that side of the business than Laurent was, at least at the start, to ensure a smooth transition.”
Permane will now split his time between the team’s UK base in Milton Keynes and its factory in Faenza, Italy, with a likely increase in time spent at the Italian site where most of the workforce is located.
His arrival at the helm brings clarity to a team in transition, and reassurance for Lawson, who can now focus on proving himself with Racing Bulls, free from the immediate pressure of change.
Header Image: Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images via Red Bull Content Pool
Common sense….At last