Horner: Perez's form and speed were impossible to ignore

Christian Horner has said that Sergio Perez's speed and form made it "impossible" not to offer him a contract. On Friday afternoon, Red Bull confirmed that Perez will drive for the team. He replaces Alex Albon who moves to the reserve driver role.

"Alex is a valued member of the team and we thought long and hard about this decision," Horner told the BBC. "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. 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."

He continues: “[It was] impossible to ignore Sergio's performance in Racing Point, particularly in the second half of the season".

Perez has completed 191 Grands Prix. In the 2020 F1 season, he won the penultimate race. Perez has been on fine form and Red Bull hope this will help them close the gap on Mercedes.