(Motorsport news) Formula 1 driver Sergio Perez has been confirmed as Max Verstappen’s partner for the 2022 Formula 1 season. The 31 year old Mexican is Verstappen’s third teammate in three years but has impressed the Red Bull hierarchy to warrant a new contract.

Perez is the only teammate to have won a race since 2018 when the Mexican clinched the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and currently occupies the fourth spot in the championship. With this contract sealed, Red Bull is all set for the new 2022 era which will feature radical rule changes as teams look to adapt to the newer format.

Red Bull have been struggling to find a reliable partner for Max Verstappen since Daniel Ricciardo left the team in 2018. Pierre Gasly only lasted half a season but was let go after unimpressive performances while Alex Albon struggled to keep up with Red Bull’s demands. In an unorthodox decision, Red Bull opted for a driver outside their racing programme and opted for Sergio Perez who impressed with Racing Point.

Unlike his predecessors, Perez has proved to be a more compatible teammate for both Red Bull and Verstappen as the team looks to reduce the gap with Mercedes AMG Racing. His contract extension comes at no surprise with the championship closer than ever this season and Red Bull looking to maintain stability amidst the new Formula 1 regulations.

As this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix draws closer, Mercedes are 12 points ahead of Red Bull in the constructors championship while 8 points separate Hamilton and Verstappen for the drivers title.

Also read: Fernando Alonso extends contract with Formula 1 team Alpine for 2022 season