Red Bull has announced a contract extension with Sergio Perez which sees the Mexican stay with the team for 2022.

Perez joined Red Bull for the 2021 season and immediately impressed after qualifying on the front row in only his second race for the team at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

Having taken four top-five finishes over the first five races, Perez was quick to demonstrate his experienced race-craft and consistency in scoring regular points before taking his first victory for the team in just his sixth race at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. He has and continues to play a key role in the closely fought 2021 Constructors' Championship battle.

With Max Verstappen having already committed to Red Bull until the end of 2023, the team fields a consistent driver line-up which is crucial as it embarks on a new era of Formula One.

"Checo is a highly respected team member," said Christian Horner, "and his experience and race-craft are invaluable as we fight for the Constructors' Championship. His integration into the wider team has been seamless and we have been impressed by his performances during the first half of the season which demonstrate what he's capable of in our car.

"Next year we move into a new era of Formula One with completely revised regulations and cars, and with over 200 races and a decade of experience under his belt, Checo will play an integral role in helping the team navigate this transition and maximise the RB18. Our current attention is on ending the 2021 season as strongly as possible and we look forward to seeing Checo build on a first successful season with the team."

"I'm really happy to be continuing with a great team like Red Bull into the new era of Formula One," added Perez, "and it's a great opportunity for me. Everyone starts from zero next year with the new regulations, so my only goal is to go all the way to the top with Red Bull.

"It always takes time to get on top of everything when you join a new team but things have worked well this season and I really enjoy being a part of the Red Bull family. We've been working hard to deliver results so it's great to see the team have faith in me for the future. We have so much more to achieve together and we still have a great challenge on our hands this season so I really hope we can finish the year on a high and carry that momentum into 2022.

"I want to thank all my supporters around the world and especially those in Mexico. From my sponsors to my fans, they have been so enthusiastic since I joined Red Bull so I really hope we can reward them by reaching the top and winning the title."

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Beans, 27/08/2021 23:18

"I would imagine this is the signal that Russell is being picked up by Merc."

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2. Posted by Bill Hopgood, 27/08/2021 21:33

"Smart move.
Aside from Albon and Gasley who both appear to be Red Bull's third and fourth choice drivers should anything cause the two usual drivers to be sidelined, none of the up and coming junior drivers have enough experience to help with new car development.
Perez has done that side of things a number of times at Force India / Racing Point so knows the score.
Given a bit more time to gain experience those other drivers will be in the frame.
Still, it does have to sting for Albon and Gasley that they aren't in the top team next year."

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3. Posted by ChickenFarmerF1, 27/08/2021 15:58

"They didn't really have a ton of other options. Albon? Gasly? After demoting them that was never going to happen. Tsunoda isn't doing nearly as well as hoped.

Who else in their right mind would go to Red Bull? Unless Russell could dominate Verstappen that would be a seriously career limiting move. He'd likely be seen as a threat by Verstappen and would find it a very tough environment. And with his Mercedes tie in that gives him too many options that wouldn't destroy his career if he didn't immediately dominate his teammate. Bottas? He might be a good wingman for Verstappen, but otherwise not compelling enough to make a change.

All the other drivers that might be good enough to be attractive to Red Bull on talent have either been burned by RBR before (Vettle, Ricciardo), are too old (Raikkonen, Alonso), or have too good of a thing going in their current team (Leclerc, Norris). "

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Red Bull retains Perez for 2022

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