Red Bull Racing has confirmed Sergio Perez as its new driver for 2021 F1 season alongside Max Verstappen, with Alexander Albon moving to a reserve role.

After months of speculations, Red Bull has finally signed Perez to replace Albon alongside Verstappen for 2021 F1 season. The Mexican, thereby, becomes the first out-of-programme driver to get the seat in recent times, owing to dearth of talent.

Perez became a free agent in a major silly season shuffle, where Ferrari hired Carlos Sainz from McLaren to replace Sebastian Vettel. The German eventually moved to Aston Martin, leaving the Mexican out of contract, even though he had a deal until 2022 F1 season.

While he was anxious initially, Perez started to look more settled by the end of the year as he openly discussed about Red Bull chances and or a reserve role in 2021, with a possible seat in 2022. It was unclear as to which teams he was discussing with.

With Perez in, it leaves Albon with no F1 seat which forced him to take up the reserve role, after AlphaTauri confirmed Yuki Tsunoda alongside Pierre Gasly, where Daniil Kvyat lost his seat again. The Russian is looking for a return in 2022.

Speaking about their signing, Christian Horner termed Perez’s current form and Sakhir GP victory changed their mind to take him, which put Albon in the test and reserve role, where he will remain a key part towards their 2022 preparations.

The contract is for one-year with Perez at the moment. “Alex is a valued member of the Team and we thought long and hard about this decision,” said 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.”

Joining Red Bull, 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.”

https://twitter.com/redbullracing/status/1339933414615642112?s=20

 

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