After an abrupt exit from Alpine in 2023, ex-Alpine team principal Alan Permane is rumored to be making a return to F1. Permane is a multi decade veteran in the sport. Given the latest rumor, it appears Permane could be headed for Alpha Tauri. While no official statement has been made, the speculation is in the air for where Permane may end up. Alpha Tauri is widely known to be the junior team of Red Bull Racing. Coincidentally, Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner has previously praised Permane after his departure from Alpine was announced.
“Alan Permane is one of the rocks of F1. He is one of the longest-standing senior engineers in the sport and certainly someone with a lot of knowledge. I don’t know about the ins and outs of the management reshuffle there, but there is a lot of very respectable people in there. And definitely, you shouldn’t discount anyone of that seniority.”
“Whilst I’ve never worked with Alan Permane, I think sometimes there has to be respect shown for somebody that’s put in 34 years of hard graft and been involved in world championships with Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso…He has also been a steady hand during periods of that team going into administration, and out of administration, and into different ownership and so on.
“He’s very much been a constant there during that period. I think that earns respect and recognition, and I’m sure he’s a guy, like with Otmar, that won’t find themselves out of work. It won’t be the last you’ve seen of them in the pitlane, no doubt about that.”
Whether this comment was foreshadowing is not yet confirmed. However, given the status of Alpha Tauri and the team currently in a state of transition. It would make perfect sense for someone with his experience to step into a role as a leader. With Alpha Tauri planning a rebrand in 2024 it would be the perfect time for the team to usher in new leadership. Time will tell if the rumors will be confirmed.