Brendan Lines December 19, 2020

Sergio Perez ends the speculation around his Formula 1 future confirming his place alongside Max Verstappen in Red Bull’s 2021 driver line up, Perez completes the final piece of the 2021 driver market puzzle as Lewis Hamilton is expected to resign with Mercedes.

Perez will join the Milton Keynes based team on a one-year contract, the 30-year old Mexican will be the first driver promoted into a Red Bull race seat who has not come directly from its junior program, since Mark Webber retired in 2013.

Released a year early from his contract with current team Racing Point, Perez made way for Sebastian Vettel as the team re-brand as Aston Martin.

Making his Grand Prix debut in 2011, Perez has since then become one of the sport’s most consistent performers and tenacious racers. Sergio’s recent run of form and victory at the Sakhir Grand Prix made him the favoured choice to join Red Bull Racing.

“I am incredibly grateful to Red Bull for giving me the opportunity to race for Red Bull Racing in 2021,” said Perez.

“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.”

Driver Alex Albon steps aside from his current role to make way for Perez, having finished 7th in the 2020 drivers championship and taking two podium finishes in the Tuscan and Bahrain grands prix.

Albon now takes on the role of Red Bull Racing Test and Reserve Driver with a key focus on 2022 development, simulator work and tyre testing.


Red Bull Racing Team Principal, Christian Horner said performance and data gave reason to the team’s decision.

“Alex is a valued member of the Team and we thought long and hard about this decision,” Horner said.

“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.”