Alex Albon to compete in DTM during 2021 season

The 24-year-old finished seventh in the drivers' standings during his first full season with the team, finishing on the podium twice.

He was out-qualified by his teammate Max Verstappen at every Grand Prix though and failed to provide the Dutchman support in his battles against the Mercedes on a regular enough basis.

It was announced last month that Albon would be replaced by former Racing Point driver Sergio Perez, with the Thai racer set to fulfil a test and reserve role.

However, it has now been confirmed that the former DAMS driver will compete in DTM “whenever his Formula 1 duties allow”.

“Alex Albon is a young, ambitious driver and an outstanding gain for the DTM,” said DTM boss Gerhard Berger.

Albon will drive alongside fellow Red Bull driver academy prospect Liam Lawson in a two-car Red Bull-branded entry.

Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko added: “The DTM with a high-class field and GT3 sports cars is an interesting platform and a real challenge, both for successful race drivers like Alex Albon as for our Red Bull junior driver Liam Lawson."

DTM switched from a touring cars format to GT3 cars ahead of the 2021 season and will run nine two-race events across the year.