Red Bull confirm Perez for the 2022 F1 season
On the opening day for the Belgian Grand Prix, Red Bull Racing decided to confirm that it will retain the services of Sergio Perez in 2022. The decision means that the Milton Keynes-based outfit will field an unchanged line-up next year when the sport introduces a wholly-new set of technical regulation.
After Red Bull decided to oust Alexander Albon, the four-time world champion outfit opted to commit for an experienced driver, signing Sergio Perez. The decision was partly based on the Mexican’s form at the end of the 2020 season which culminated in a race win for the Guadalajara-born driver, who secured his maiden F1 triumph at last year’s Sakhir Grand Prix.
The 31-year-old driver, who started his F1 career with Sauber in 2011, has collected a total of 104 points so far this season, holding currently the fifth place in the Drivers’ Championship. Despite his struggles in the qualifying sessions, he was able to clinch his first win for the team in his sixth race with Red Bull in Baku.
The decision means that Red Bull will field the same driver line-up as this year. 2022 will be Perez’s 11th season in F1, with the Mexican keeping his place alongside Max Verstappen, who is contracted to the team until at least the end of 2023.
Commenting on the announcement, Perez added: “I’m really happy to be continuing with a great team like Red Bull into the new era of Formula One and it’s a great opportunity for me. Everyone starts from zero next year with the new regulations, so my only goal is to go all the way to the top with Red Bull.
It always takes time to get on top of everything when you join a new team but things have worked well this season and I really enjoy being a part of the Red Bull family. We’ve been working hard to deliver results so it’s great to see the Team have faith in me for the future. We have so much more to achieve together and we still have a great challenge on our hands this season so I really hope we can finish the year on a high and carry that momentum into 2022.
“I want to thank all my supporters around the world and especially those in Mexico. From my sponsors to my fans, they have been so enthusiastic since I joined Red Bull so I really hope we can reward them by reaching the top and winning the title,” the Mexican concluded.
Red Bull Racing Honda CEO and Team Principal, Christian Horner, said: “Checo is a highly respected Team member and his experience and race-craft are invaluable as we fight for the Constructors’ Championship. His integration into the wider Team has been seamless and we have been impressed by his performances during the first half of the season which demonstrate what he’s capable of in our car.
“Next year we move into a new era of Formula One with completely revised regulations and cars, and with over 200 races and a decade of experience under his belt, Checo will play an integral role in helping the Team navigate this transition and maximise the RB18. Our current attention is on ending the 2021 season as strongly as possible and we look forward to seeing Checo build on a first successful season with the Team.”
