Alan Permane has opened up about his fresh start as team principal at Visa Cash App RB, reflecting on the whirlwind shift from his long Alpine tenure to leading Red Bull’s sister squad.
In an exclusive chat with Formula 1’s media team, the veteran engineer didn’t hold back on the challenges ahead for 2025. “It’s a massive change, but I’m thrilled,” Permane said, highlighting how RB’s setup contrasts with Alpine’s more corporate vibe. He praised the team’s lean operation, noting it’s “all about pure racing” without the heavy bureaucracy he knew before.
Permane touched on driver dynamics too, with Yuki Tsunoda locked in for another year and newcomer Isack Hadjar stepping up from Formula 2. “Yuki’s speed is undeniable – we need to harness that consistency,” he explained, while eyeing Hadjar’s potential to shake things up. The goal? Push RB higher in the midfield battle, especially with the 2026 regs looming.
He admitted the move came after a tough exit from Alpine amid their driver shuffle – Pierre Gasly stays, but Jack Doohan replaces Esteban Ocon. Yet Permane’s focus is forward: “RB has the tools and the backing from Red Bull. We’re not just surviving; we’re aiming to compete.”
This role marks a bold pivot for Permane, who’s spent decades in the paddock, and his no-nonsense approach could be the spark RB needs in a season packed with intrigue, from Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari debut to the ongoing title fight between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris.
