[ad_1]
Mexican driver Sergio Pérez will replace Alexander Albon at Red Bull next season, the Formula One team announced on Friday (December 18).
Pérez, who had no contract with Racing Point, will race alongside Max Verstappen for the Milton Keynes-based team in 2021.
The popular driver stepped into the frame to replace inconsistent Albon with a thrilling first F1 win at the 190th attempt at Sakhir, Bahrain, in the penultimate race of the just-ended season.
“The opportunity to compete for a team that competes for the championship is something that I have been waiting for since I joined Formula One and it will be a proud moment to get on the grid in Red Bull colors alongside Max,” said Pérez. .
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner acknowledged that they had chosen the perfect partner for Verstappen.
“After taking our time to evaluate all the relevant data and performances, we have decided that Sergio is the right driver to partner with Max in 2021.”
Albon had a full first season of ups and downs on paper, but Horner said the London-born Thai will continue to be a valuable part of the Red Bull setup.
“Alex continues to be an important part of our team as a test and reserve driver with a key focus on the development of 2022 and we would like to thank him for his hard work and contribution,” he said.
Before the Red Bull call, Perez had his sights set on a season after his seat at Racing Point was loaned out to Sebastian Vettel, the four-time former world champion fired by Ferrari.
He had said goodbye to Racing Point with tears in his eyes after withdrawing from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that ended the season last weekend.
Albon had finished fourth in Sunday’s race, won by Perez’s new teammate Verstappen with a lights-to-flag victory at the leading Red Bull.
Perez said after the race: “Who knows what will happen next? I’m just looking forward to going home. Whatever comes next, I’ll be ready for it.”
Five days later and with his future in 2021 assured, he promised: “You can be sure that I will focus on the next season.
“The team has the same winning mentality as me and I know that I am here to perform and help the team fight for another title.”
The week before Yas Marina, the 30-year-old Mexican had driven from last position, after a collision on the first lap, to headline a memorable podium alongside Renault’s Esteban Ocon and his Racing Point teammate Lance Stroll. .
His success left him crying in his cockpit at the end of his penultimate race with Racing Point, and at the same time he caught the eye of the Red Bull garage.
Friday’s statement from his new employers noted: “Sergio made his Grand Prix debut in 2011 and has since become one of the most consistent and tenacious competitors in the sport.
“Sergio’s recent run in form and Sergio’s victory at the Sakhir Grand Prix made him the favorite option to join Red Bull Racing, initially on a one-year deal.”
Pérez’s welcome job offer comes at a time when Lewis Hamilton is ready to write about a new deal with Mercedes.
Mercedes almost confirmed that their seven-time world champion would drive for them next season on Thursday.
A post on the team’s official Twitter account carried the hashtag “announce” accompanied by the emojis “coming soon” and “pen”, along with a quote from Hamilton expressing his desire to stay with Mercedes.
