Sergio Perez of Mexico is expected to replace Alexander Albon at the Red Bull Formula One team next season, according to media reports Thursday.
The Speedweek website, owned by Red Bull Media House, reported that Perez had signed the Thai teenager with Max Verstappen and that they would be named on Friday.
He said Albon would fall into the role of a reserve driver and work in the simulator
The Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, which has close ties to Verstappen, reported the same.
There was no immediate comment from Red Bull.
Perez, who won a race in Bahrain this month, has lost his seat at Racing Point (Aston Martin) to Sebastian Vettel, who has won four times in the world.
Albon failed to match Verstappen ‘s achievements this season, with the Dutch driver winning two races and finishing third overall.
The 30-year-old Perez, the first Mexican to win a grand prix in 50 years, finished fourth. He had been told he would take Sunday leave next year if he did not find another F1 seat.