Sergio Perez defeats Alex Albon in battle for Red Bull seat in 2021

The experienced driver has agreed a deal with the championship runners up while Alex Albon will work as their reserve team driver.

The experienced Mexican driver has "initially" signed a one-year contract with Red Bull. He replaces Alex Albon, who will remain as the teams reserve driver with a possible return in season 2022.

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner explained the teams decision for its first non-redbull youth partnership since Webber and Coulthard in 2008.

"Alex is a valued member of the team and we thought long and hard about this decision. Having taken our time to evaluate all the relevant data and performances we have decided that Sergio is the right driver to partner Max for 2021."

"Alex remains an important part of our team as test and reserve driver with a key focus on 2022 development and we would like to thank him for his hard work and contribution."

It is not a well-kept secret that Red Bull are ruthless with young drivers who do not perform to the teams expectations.

Alex Albon earned the Red Bull seat in similar circumstances after the demotion of Pierre Gasly to Alpha Tauri midway through the 2019 campaign after a series of poor results. Pierre has since claimed his first win in Formula 1 at the Italian Grand Prix.

Red Bull made clear their decision was due to Albon's performances not meeting the teams requirements in the 18 months with the team.

Horner added it was:" impossible to ignore Sergio's performance at Racing Point, particularly in the second half of the season."

The announcement of Perez at Red Bull follows his first career win at the Sakhir Grand Prix for Racing Point.

Perez stated he was: "incredibly grateful for the opportunity."

He added:" The chance to race for a championship contending team is something I have been hoping for since I joined F1 and it will be a proud moment to step onto the grid in Red Bull colours alongside Max."

"You can be sure that I will give next season my full focus. The team has the same winning mentality as me and I know I am here to perform and help the team fight for another title."

Sergio Perez was in danger of losing his F1 seat in 2021 after it was announced that 4X world champion Sebastian Vettel will replace him at Racing Point, who will race under the Aston Martin name next season.

Perez has driven for the team since 2014, while still under the Sahara Force India name. He defeated team rival Esteban Ocon for a seat within the team after Lawrence Stroll gained ownership and hired his son Lance as a driver.

Despite being a consistent driver for midfield teams, Perez has achieved a podium in six of his nine seasons in Formula One.

As per the words of new team boss Christian Horner, it would've been an "Injustice" for Sergio to not have a seat next season.