Perez to join Red Rull Racing for 2021

F1 Grand Prix, GP Italy, Autodromo Nazionale di Monza

Just days after the season finale in Abu Dhabi, Red Bull Racing has announced that Sergio Perez will join the Milton Keynes-based squad in 2021, replacing the team’s Thai driver Alexander Albon.

It has long been mooted, and it has now been confirmed: Sergio Perez will partner Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing in 2021. The Mexican parted ways with Racing Point at the end of the 2020 season after the Silverstone-based outfit decided to sign four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel for next season.

Although there were some doubts about the Mexican’s future, Red Bull Racing decided to sign Perez for 2021. The team’s Thai driver Alexander Albon had a difficult year with the team despite the promising performances that he showed during the second half of last season. The London-born driver will remain with Red Bull Racing, taking on the role of the reserve and test driver.

“Alex is a valued member of the Team and we thought long and hard about this decision," said Christian Horner. "Having taken our time to evaluate all the relevant data and performances we have decided that Sergio is the right driver to partner Max for 2021 and look forward to welcoming him to Red Bull Racing.

"Alex remains an important part of our Team as Test and Reserve Driver with a key focus on 2022 development, and we would like to thank him for his hard work and contribution.”

Commenting on the announcement, Perez said: “I am incredibly grateful to Red Bull for giving me the opportunity to race for Red Bull Racing in 2021. The chance to race for a championship contending team is something I have been hoping for since I joined Formula One and it will be a proud moment to step onto the grid in Red Bull colours alongside Max.

“You can be sure that I will give next season my full focus. The Team has the same winning mentality as me and I know I am here to perform and help the Team fight for another title.”