Mercedes boss Toto Wolff and Red Bull team principal Christian Horner have both shared their respect and admiration for Alan Permane, who was recently sacked as Alpine’s sporting director.
Permane was brutally shown the exit door by Alpine ahead of qualifying at the recent Belgian Grand Prix, alongside now ex-Alpine team principal Otmar Szafnauer.
Permane’s shock firing has been criticised by many, especially has he worked for the Enstone-based team for 34 years.
Wolff even labelled him as “one of the longest-serving engineers in the sport”, with Permane having a level of knowledge and experience which will be almost impossible for Alpine to replace.
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“Alan Permane is one of the cornerstones of F1,” said Wolff, as reported by GPFans.com. “You definitely shouldn’t discount anyone that senior.
“He’s one of the longest-serving engineers in the sport, and certainly someone with a lot of knowledge.
“I don’t know the ins and outs of the management shakeup (at Alpine), but there are a lot of very reputable people out there.”
Whilst working at the Enstone-based outfit over the last 34 years, Permane has worked with some of the all-time greats, including seven-time World Champion Michael Schumacher and two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso.
Given his expertise, Horner expects Permane to be offered a new job very quickly.
“Although I have never worked with Alan Permane, I think sometimes you have to show respect for someone who has worked hard for 34 years and has participated in world championships with Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso,” insisted Horner.
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“He’s also been a steady hand through periods where the team went into administration, and came out of administration, and went through different owners and so on.
“He has been a constant during that period. I think that deserves respect and recognition, and I am sure that, like Otmar, he will not be without a job. It won’t be the last time he sees them in the pit lane, there’s no doubt about that.”
With Wolff and Horner both seemingly being fans of Permane, perhaps Mercedes and Red Bull will duel for his signature?