Sergio Perez will partner Max Verstappen at Red Bull next season, the Formula One team have announced.
The 30-year-old Mexican impressed in the 2020 season for Racing Point, culminating in his victory at the Sakhir Grand Prix earlier this month.
Perez will replace Alexander Albon, who struggled to keep pace with Verstappen and will remain as a reserve driver for the team.
Our line-up, 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙢𝙚𝙙 🤝 @SChecoPerez will partner @Max33Verstappen for the 2021 #F1 season 💪 #HolaCheco 🇲🇽 — Aston Martin Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) December 18, 2020
Verstappen won two grands prix to finish third in the world drivers' championship behind Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas, and one place above Perez.
Albon finished seventh and had to be content with two third-placed finishes in the Tuscan and Bahraini grands prix respectively.
Red Bull principal Christian 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."
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
Perez made his Formula One debut with Sauber in 2011 and claimed his first podium with a second-placed finish at the Malaysian Grand Prix the following year.
He was Hamilton's replacement at McLaren in 2013 before moving onto the Force India team which ultimately evolved into Racing Point.
Perez said: "I am incredibly grateful to Red Bull for giving me the opportunity to race for Red Bull Racing in 2021.
"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."
