Pérez takes Albon’s seat at Red Bull

Sports Desk, Dec 18 (efe-epa).- Mexican Formula One driver Sergio Pérez will race alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull in next year’s world championship, the team announced Friday.

Checo, as he is popularly known, will replace British-Thai driver Alexander Albon, who will step down to become a reserve.

The 30-year-old Mexican has been in the sport since 2011 but only won his first race this year at the Sakhir Grand Prix in Bahrain. He has collected 10 podium finishes in his career so far.

For now, he bids farewell to Racing Point, which is rebranding next year as Aston Martin, and gets ready to join the grid with a team that could challenge Mercedes for the championship.

Pérez said in a statement: “The chance to race for a championship contending team is something I have been hoping for since I joined F1 and it will be a proud moment to step onto the grid in Red Bull colors.”

Checo came fourth in this year’s drivers’ table, with 125 points. He was behind his new teammate Verstappen and ahead of Albon in the rankings. The Mercedes team of Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas came first and second. It was Hamilton’s record-equalling seventh title.

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.” EFE-EPA

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