F1 Rumors: Sergio Perez Will Partner Max Verstappen In 2021

Red Bull Racing has reportedly finally made a decision on their driver lineup for the 2021 season, with Sergio Perez expected to be announced as Max Verstappen’s track partner.

Alex Albon, who was Verstappen’s pavement comrade in the 2020 season, will remain on the team in a reserve driver role.

Head honcho Christian Horner and adviser Helmut Marko wanted to wait until the end of the season to make a final verdict as they were keen to give Albon every opportunity to stake a claim for the seat.

Red Bull Media-owned German publication Speedweek.com has reported that after much speculation, an announcement will be made on Friday revealing Perez as Verstappen’s teammate for 2021.

This will be the first time the Austrian team has dipped their hands into the pool outside the Red Bull junior program.

Albon had shown glimpses of his talent over the course of the season. The report claims that he will continue to have an integral role within the team as a substitute driver in case Perez fails to deliver.

Moreover, he will work on the team’s simulator back at their Enstone base.

Perez was looking to sit out next season after being let go by Racing Point after the Lawrence Stroll-owned team signed Sebastian Vettel, who was released by Ferrari.

Despite the disappointment, the Mexican put his head down and delivered some of the best performances of his career, which saw him record his first race win at the Sakhir Grand Prix.

Perez, who turns 31 later this month, was the second-highest scoring driver in terms of points behind Lewis Hamilton. He eventually finished P4 in the Drivers’ Championship standings behind the two Mercedes drivers and Verstappen.

Once Red Bull confirms their final roster, all eyes will turn towards Mercedes and Hamilton, which are still in negotiations for a new deal.

Both are keen to reach an agreement at the earliest, with an announcement to be made before Christmas.