Red Bull Racing has just announced the signing of ex-Racing Point driver Sergio Perez, who will line up next to Max Verstappen in 2021.
As a result, Alex Albon has been relegated to the position of test and reserve driver, tasked with focusing on 2022 development, simulator work and tire testing.
With Lance Stroll retaining his place in Racing Point (soon to be Aston Martin), Perez was left without a seat in Formula 1 after the team announced the signing of Sebastian Vettel, who was released from Ferrari, for next season.
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“Alex is a valued member of the Team and we thought long and hard about this decision,” said Red Bull Racing boss 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.”
Perez’s deal is for just one year, so there’s no telling who’s going to race alongside Verstappen at Red Bull in 2022, although re-signing the 30-year old Perez is always an option.
“The chance to race for a championship contending team is something I have been hoping for since I joined F1, and it will be a proud moment to step onto the grid in Red Bull colors,” stated Perez.
The Mexican driver has secured a total of 10 podiums and one victory in his 10-year Formula 1 career, and finished the 2020 season fourth in the Driver Standings with 125 points, 20 points clear of seventh placed Albon.
Estoy feliz de compartir esto con todos ustedes, en 2021 correremos con Red Bull Racing.
I’m very happy to share this with all of you, we will drive for @redbullracing in 2021 #GivesYouWings pic.twitter.com/vFsEbL5D0C
— Sergio Pérez (@SChecoPerez) December 18, 2020