Sergio Perez could be on his way to Red Bull for 2021, according to reports in the Spanish media.
Departing Racing Point at the end of the year with four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel taking his place, Spanish TV network Movistar reported on Saturday that Red Bull is interested in the Mexican.
According to the report, the continued underperformance of Alexander Albon as the number two driver to Max Verstappen has the energy drinks outfit looking elsewhere for next season, with Perez having received a call from team boss Christian Horner last week.
While to outside observers the logical replacement for Albon might seem to be Italian Grand Prix winner Pierre Gasly, it is believed they remain sceptical a second stint with the senior team would end any differently to his first 12-race spell in 2019, wherein he was thoroughly outclassed by Verstappen.
Now a 10-year veteran of the sport, the 30-year-old Perez is widely considered one of the more capable drivers on the grid, and with eight career podiums to his name, has made a reputation for getting good results out of his machinery.
Additionally, with Red Bull’s title sponsor Aston Martin taking over Racing Point in 2021, Perez’s extensive corporate backing only adds to his appeal, which in turn could make him the first non-academy driver for the team since Mark Webber drove for them from 2007-2013.