Sergio Perez will drive for Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen in 2021, it was confirmed on Friday.
Rumours about the Mexican have been growing since he won his first Formula 1 race at the Sakhir Grand Prix earlier this month, with Sky Sports' Ted Kravtiz hinting at an imminent announcement in Abu Dhabi.
And now that speculation has proven correct with Perez signing to become the first non-Red Bull junior to join since Mark Webber in 2007.
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His big opportunity comes after an impressive season in which he secured fourth in the Drivers' Championship despite missing two races with Covid-19.
Prior to this, the 30-year-old had been facing a year on the sidelines after Racing Point replaced him with Sebastian Vettel for their new era as Aston Martin.
It does mean, however, that Alex Albon will not be on the grid in 2021 as a strong final race at Yas Marina wasn't enough to keep his seat next season.
Instead, the Thai will drop to the position of reserve driver.
“Alex is a valued member of the Team and we thought long and hard about this decision," team boss Christian Horner commented.
"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 and look forward to welcoming him to Red Bull Racing.
"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.”
