Red Bull Racing has confirmed that Sergio Perez will replace Alex Albon at the team from next season.
Albon will remain part of the Red Bull team, becoming their test and reserve driver, “with a key focus on 2022 development, simulator work and tyre testing.”
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Commenting on the signing, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said:
“Alex is a valued member of the team and we thought long and hard about this decision.
“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,” Horner added.
Meanwhile, Sergio Perez said he is “incredibly grateful” for the opportunity and looks forward to competing at the sharp end of the grid.
“I am incredibly grateful to Red Bull for giving me the opportunity to race for Red Bull Racing in 2021,” Perez said.
“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.”
In early November, Formula1News.co.uk exclusively reported that Red Bull had decided to drop Albon at the end of the season and he would only be on the F1 grid next year if Yuki Tsunoda fails to get a Super Licence.
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