It has finally been confirmed: Sergio Perez will partner Max Verstappen at Red Bull next year, with the under-performing Alex Albon being demoted to test and reserve duties.
So why did Red Bull go for Perez over Albon?
Team principle Christian Horner told Motorsport.com that “the decision has been an incredibly hard one”, adding that the whole team “wanted to see Alex succeed.”
“But when you look at the data, and you look at the ratio between the two drivers, it was a decision that was obviously very much driven by that”, he said. “It was just impossible to ignore Sergio's performance in the Racing Point over the course of the year, and particularly, in the second half the season.”
It’s difficult to argue against Horner’s reasoning. Despite being side lined for two races with COVID-19, Perez was still able to secure fourth place in the championship, some 20 points ahead of Albon, with his Racing Point being widely considered as an inferior car to the challenging-yet-quick RB16. Plus, Perez scored his maiden victory at this year's bizarre Sakhir Grand Prix.
Albon also scored few than half the championship points of teammate Max Verstappen, which is made all the more damning when you take into account the Dutchman’s five non-classifications in a shortened 17-race season.
Speaking of Perez, Horner said: “He's a seasoned racer now. He has a huge amount of experience. He knows what he's going up against and the quality of Max, who has been in immense form the last couple of years. I don't think he underestimates that challenge in any shape or form but he's absolutely delighted to get the opportunity and prove himself.”
He goes on to say that Albon will still play a role at Red Bull, helping the team shape the radically-different 2022 car and act as a reserve driver if either Verstappen or Perez are unable to drive.
We’ll see how Perez fairs against Verstappen when the 2021 season gets underway in Melbourne on 21st March.
Keyword: F1 2021: why Red Bull dropped Alex Albon for Sergio Perez