Pérez confirmed alongside Verstappen at Red Bull in 2021

The Mexican replaces Alexander Albon, relegated to the position of reservist and test pilot.

Published on 18/12/2020 à 15:12

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Pérez confirmed alongside Verstappen at Red Bull in 2021

The choice will have been long and difficult for Red Bull but the Austrian team finally chose to associate Sergio Pérez with Max Verstappen in 2021.

Revealed on Thursday evening by our colleague from Telegraaf Dutch, the news was confirmed this Friday. The former Racing Point driver initially has a one-year contract.

Despite 2 podiums at the GP of Tuscany then Bahrain, and an honorable performance in Abu Dhabi last Sunday, Alexander albon did not convince the Red Bull leaders after a 2020 campaign where it generally suffered from the comparison with its Dutch garage neighbor.

Those responsible for the energy drink giant preferred the Mexican veteran, winner of his first career Grand Prix this season in Sakhir and author of 1 podiums since his debut in the premier category in 10.

The Thai is relegated to the position of reservist and test pilot, Alpha Tauri having confirmed the Japanese Yuki tsunoda alongside the French Pierre Gasly earlier this week.

While he found himself without a steering wheel in mid-September following the recruitment of Sebastian Vettel at Racing Point/Aston Martin, Pérez won the best seat of his already long career of 191 starts in F1.

« Alex is a valued member of the stable, commented Christian Horner. We thought long and hard about the situation before making a decision.

After analyzing all the relevant data, we came to the conclusion that Sergio represents the best option to support Max in 2021.

Alex remains with us as a reservist and test pilot with his eyes clearly turned towards development for 2022 ».

At almost 31 years old, Pérez becomes the first driver since Australian Mark Webber in 2007 to join Red Bull without coming from the Austrian young driver sector.

« I am very grateful to Red Bull for giving me the opportunity to drive for a team capable of competing for the title., commented Pérez. This is the goal I have been aiming for since I started in Formula 1. The team and I have the same winning mentality. I'm here to respond on the track and help them win a new championshipyou”.