Red Bull has confirmed Sergio Perez will race for the team alongside Max Verstappen in 2021, with Alexander Albon taking on a test and reserve driver role.
Perez has been a free agent since he was forced out to make way for Sebastian Vettel’s arrival at Racing Point, despite having two more years left on his contract.
The Mexican’s future has been a long-running saga over recent months, as his eye-catching performances this year saw him linked to the second Red Bull seat.
Although he missed two races due to testing positive for COVID-19, Perez recorded his best season in Formula 1 to date, finishing fourth in the drivers’ standings and claiming a shock maiden victory at the Sakhir Grand Prix.
Red Bull expressed its desire to give Albon as much time as possible to prove he deserved to keep the drive, stating a decision would be made before Christmas.
But, for the first time since 2007, Red Bull has opted to sign a driver outside of its talent pool, with Perez signing an initial one-year deal.
“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.”
Perez’s arrival sees Albon fail to land a seat for next year, but the Thai driver will remain a part of Red Bull as its test and reserve driver, focusing heavily on development for the 2022 regulation changes.
Commenting on the decision, Red Bull boss 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.
“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.”
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