'With this contract extension, Red Bull can start working on the coming years'

After Sergio Perez's slip of the tongue last Sunday just before the podium in Monaco to Christian Horner, it was only a matter of time before Red Bull would announce that the Mexican would also drive for the team in 2023. The fact that the contract would be a two-year deal was something many had not initially seen coming.

At Mercedes, in the era of Valtteri Bottas with Lewis Hamilton, they decided to only give the Finn one-year contracts. Red Bull clearly wants to show stability and therefore chooses to tie Perez down for several years. According to F1 journalist Lawrence Barretto, the contract extension also provides peace of mind for both parties, he explains on Formula1.com.

Statement of confidence

"A two-year deal is a real statement of intent from Red Bull as it not only rewards Perez for his performance so far, but boosts his confidence and gives him the headspace to focus on the championship in the knowledge he’ll be around for at least another two-and-a-half years."

According to Barretto, for the first time in ages, the relationships within the Red Bull family are also clear. For a long time, it was not clear whether the drivers at AlphaTauri were being trained to go to the big Red Bull or whether AlphaTauri is the highest level of experience. "Red Bull have locked down experience as they look to build on their momentum and dominate this new era."