Sergio Perez says it will be a “proud moment” to line-up on the Formula 1 grid as a Red Bull driver for the first time next season.
On Friday, following feverish speculation, it was finally confirmed the Mexican would be replacing Alex Albon next to Max Verstappen, with the Thai dropping to a reserve driver role.
In signing for Red Bull, Perez becomes the first driver outside the stable to sign for the team since Mark Webber in 2007, and unsurprisingly, Checo was thrilled.
“I am incredibly grateful to Red Bull for giving me the opportunity to race for Red Bull Racing in 2021,” he commented.
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“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.
“You can be sure that I will give next season my full focus. The Team has the same winning mentality as me and I know I am here to perform and help the Team fight for another title.”
Perez had been facing the prospect of a year at least off the grid after being released by Racing Point in favour of four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel to start their new era as Aston Martin.
However, the 30-year-old continued to prove his worth right until the end at the Silverstone-based team and won his first Grand Prix at Sakhir in the penultimate round of the season.
That result, allied with his remarkable record of scoring points in every race he finished in 2020, helped him secure fourth in the Drivers’ Championship or ‘best of the rest’ behind the two Mercedes’ and Verstappen.
Now, after a disappointing first big move to McLaren in 2013, Perez will finally get the chance to prove himself in a top seat in F1.