Sergio Perez's contract with Red Bull has been extended for the 2022 Formula One season

After agreeing a contract extension, Red Bull has confirmed that Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen would continue at the company for the 2022 Formula One season. The Mexican was signed to the squad after performing during 2020, culminating in victory in the Sakhir Grand Prix for Racing Point in the penultimate race of the year.

Sergio Perez’s contract with Red Bull has been extended for the 2022 Formula One season

His status for next season had been uncertain, with Pierre Gasly connected to a return to the senior Red Bull team from AlphaTauri, but Red Bull has decided to keep the same line-up for the following season. Gasly currently appears to be committed to the AlphaTauri team in 22. “Checo is a highly valued Team member, and his expertise and racecraft are important as we strive for the Constructors’ Championship,” stated Christian Horner, Red Bull team principal. “His integration into the larger Team has been seamless, and we’ve been impressed by his first-half performances, which illustrate what he’s capable of in our car. Next year, Formula One enters a new era with fully revamped regulations and cars, and Checo will play a key role in guiding the team through this transition and maximizing the RB18, with over 200 races and a decade of expertise under his belt.

“Right now, our focus is on finishing the 2021 season well, and we’re excited to see Checo grow on his first great season with the team.” Perez has one victory in 2021, which came at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and another podium finish in France, where he finished third. His season hasn’t been the best as he adjusts to a team focused on its star driver and his chances of winning his first title, but Perez says he’s looking forward to building on his great start when the new regulations are implemented next year. “I’m ecstatic to be staying with such a fantastic team as Red Bull in this new era of Formula One, and it’s a fantastic chance for me. With the new restrictions, everyone begins from scratch next year, so my only ambition is to take Red Bull all the way to the top.

When you join a new team, it takes time to get used to everything, but things have gone well this season, and I’m enjoying being a part of the Red Bull family. We’ve been putting in a lot of effort to get results, so it’s encouraging to see the Team believe in me for the future. We still have a lot more to do together this season, and we still have a big challenge ahead of us, so I’m hoping we can finish the year well and bring that energy into 2022. “I want to express my gratitude to all of my fans around the world, particularly those in Mexico. Since I joined Red Bull, everyone has been so supportive, so I truly hope we can repay them by reaching the top and winning the championship.”