Lawson Praises Permane's Stable Leadership at Racing Bulls
Liam Lawson has credited Alan Permane, Racing Bulls' new Team Principal, for providing crucial stability amidst recent leadership changes, a factor he believes is vital to the team's strong performances. Permane's promotion follows Laurent Mekies' move to Red Bull Racing, filling a key vacancy left by Christian Horner's departure.
Why it matters
Leadership stability is paramount in Formula 1, where complex teams require collective effort to succeed. Permane's steady hand ensures continuity and a consistent working environment, which Lawson emphasizes is essential for drivers and staff alike. This continuity directly contributes to the team's competitive edge, allowing Racing Bulls to challenge its senior Red Bull counterpart.
The big picture
The Red Bull family experienced significant leadership shifts following Christian Horner's departure. Laurent Mekies' promotion from Racing Bulls to Red Bull Racing created a void, which Alan Permane, previously Racing Bulls' Racing Director, stepped up to fill. Despite the potential for disruption, Permane's deep experience—including a long tenure at Enstone and 알핀—has ensured a smooth transition.
What's happening
- Continuity of Approach: Lawson notes that Permane's leadership style largely mirrors Mekies' due to their shared engineering backgrounds and prior collaboration. Permane, having worked closely with Mekies, understood his methods and has continued them seamlessly.
- Strong Recent Form: Racing Bulls has shown impressive results under Permane, particularly at 스파-프랑코르샹 and the 헝가로링, where Lawson and teammate 아이작 하자르 performed competitively.
- Driver Confidence: Lawson, who faced his own challenges in early 2025, expressed strong optimism in Permane's direction, seeing the team well-positioned for the remainder of the season, starting with the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix.
What's next
As the 2025 season resumes with the Dutch Grand Prix, Racing Bulls aims to build on its recent successes. With a stable leadership and a consistent approach, the Faenza-based squad is set to continue its challenge for top midfield honors, providing its drivers, Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar, a strong platform to perform.