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We need the strongest possible line-up to compete with Mercedes

"We need the strongest possible line-up to compete with Mercedes"

22-12-2020 09:14 Last update: 10:19

GPblog.com

Red Bull Racing chose Sergio Perez as Max Verstappen's teammate in 2021, after Alexander Albon has had a long time to prove himself. It was a difficult decision, admitted Christian Horner .

Red Bull Racing have been looking for a suitable second driver alongside Verstappen since the departure of Daniel Ricciardo. Pierre Gasly and Albon both turned out not to be good enough, so a new driver had to be found for 2021. The choice fell on Perez, who made a big impression at Racing Point in 2020.

Horner looks at Mercedes

"Max's teammate for 2021 has been an important topic of conversation for a long time and has caused a lot of external pressure for Alex. He really handled that very well, that showed me his strength. We all wanted Alex to be able to keep his seat for 2021, so we postponed that decision until the end of the season. With Sergio's performance, however, we have decided that he has earned the seat for 2021," Horner said in his column.

Albon, however, is not completely pushed aside. ''Alex will Remain An Important part of the team and will focus on the development for 2022 and make himself a better challenger for a racing seat in 2022. We Have Decided to choose a driver outside our program for the first time since 2007. Because we need the strongest possible line-up to compete with Mercedes. Sergio's experience will be crucial next year."