F1 Rumour: AlphaTauri To Finalize Deal With Former Alpine Sporting Director For 2024

It is rumored that Alpine's former Sporting Director, Alan Permane, who left Formula 1 behind last year after exiting the team during the 2023 Belgian Grand Prix weekend, is all set to finalize his deal with Red Bull junior team AlphaTauri for the 2024 season. 

Permane departed from Alpine last summer in July as part of a restructuring at the organization, which also saw the exit of its team principal, Otmar Szafnauer, and Chief Technical Officer Pat Fry.

With extensive involvement in championship victories alongside Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso, Permane became an appealing target for other teams once he became contractually available.

After all, he brings in a wealth of experience in Formula 1, having spent 34 years with his previous Enstone-based employer that went through various identities such as Benetton, Renault, Lotus, and most recently, Alpine.

Though AlphaTauri has not released an official statement of Permane's appointment, Motorsport.com sources suggest that Red Bull might have played a role in setting him up for its junior team as per the direction of team principal Christian Horner, who spoke highly of Permane after his exit from Alpine last year. He said:

“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.” 

Given the high regard and commendation from Horner, it won't be surprising if the rumor turns out to be true. It is plausible that AlphaTauri might confirm this news when it unveils a new team name, sponsor lineup, and the 2024 title contender sometime next month.