Sergio Perez gets contract extension with Red Bull for 2022 F1 season

Red Bull has confirmed that Sergio Perez will remain at the team alongside Max Verstappen for the 2022 Formula 1 season after signing a contract extension.

The Mexican was signed to the team after impressing throughout 2020, capping off his efforts with victory in the penultimate race of 2020, winning the Sakhir Grand Prix for Racing Point.

His future for next season had been up in the air with Pierre Gasly linked to a possible promotion from AlphaTauri back to the senior Red Bull team but Red Bull has opted to keep the same line-up going into the following season. Gasly now looks set to stay with the AlphaTauri team for ’22.

“Checo is a highly respected Team member and his experience and race-craft are invaluable as we fight for the Constructors’ Championship,” Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said.

“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 1 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.”

So far in 2021, Perez has achieved one victory, coming at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and a further podium finish with a third-place in France.

His season hasn’t been the strongest as he continues to adapt to a team focused on its star driver and his hopes of a maiden championship crown, but Perez says he hopes to build on his start when the new regulations arrive next year.

“I’m really happy to be continuing with a great team like Red Bull into the new era of Formula 1 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.”