Born January 26, 1990, in Guadalajara, Mexico, Sergio “Checo” Pérez’s F1 journey has been nothing short of remarkable. As the first Mexican driver in the sport in 30 years, Pérez defied expectations, endured early struggles, and eventually became a fixture at the front of the grid for over a decade. Let’s take stock of how he got there—and where he stands now.
Early Years & First Steps in F1 (2011–2012)
Checo made his debut in 2011 with Sauber, entering the grid for the first time since Héctor Rebaque in 1981. His first race ended controversially with a disqualification due to a technical breach, but he still showed promise amid early struggles.
In 2012, he began turning heads, scoring three podiums—including memorable second-place finishes in Malaysia and Italy—making him the first Mexican to stand on a podium in decades.
The McLaren Setback (2013)
A move to McLaren in 2013 didn’t go as hoped—driving a difficult car, Pérez failed to score impressive results and was let go after just one season. Still, it marked an important learning phase in his career.
Force India / Racing Point: Consistency and Breakthrough (2014–2020)
Pérez landed at Force India in 2014, where he became a standout in midfield machinery, delivering consistently strong performances and scoring regularly.
His breakthrough came in 2020 at the Sakhir Grand Prix, where, despite being near the back of the pack after the first lap, he charged through to win—becoming the first Mexican Grand Prix winner since Pedro Rodríguez. That season also saw him tally 125 points and finish fourth in the standings.
Rise with Red Bull (2021–2024)
In 2021, Pérez joined Red Bull Racing, initially to support Max Verstappen’s title defense. Over the next few seasons, he evolved into a race winner in his own right:
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First Red Bull win: Azerbaijan 2021
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Other wins: Monaco and Singapore in 2022; Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan in 2023
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Championship finishes: 3rd in 2022; runner-up to Verstappen in 2023—his career-best result
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2024 season was more challenging—Perez scored four podiums in the first eight races but then faded, finishing 8th in the standings and ultimately parting ways with Red Bull
Career Stats Summary
Here’s a snapshot of Pérez’s Formula 1 career to date (end of 2024):
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Grand Prix Starts: 281
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Wins: 6
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Podiums: 39
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Pole Positions: 3
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Fastest Laps: 12
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Career Points: 1,638
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Holds records for most starts before win (190) and most races before pole position (219)
Racing Style & Reputation
Pérez is known for two defining traits:
Tyre Mastery: He excels at managing tyres, enabling bold strategies—particularly in softer conditions—which frequently give him a strategic edge late in races.
Fighting Spirit: Pérez is a fierce comeback artist, known for overtakes, strategic brilliance, and saving time even when not in prime machinery.
Combined with maturity and resilience, his style made him a key asset in midfield and then a reliable number two at Red Bull.
Next Chapter: Cadillac Calls in 2026
After a year off in 2025 following his departure from Red Bull, Pérez is back—confirmed by Cadillac as one of their two drivers for their 2026 F1 debut alongside Valtteri Bottas.
Described as a “plurianual commitment”, the move underlines Cadillac’s intent to build around proven experience and leadership.
Final Thoughts
Sergio “Checo” Pérez’s F1 career is a testament to endurance, adaptability, and late-career renaissance. From early setbacks to becoming a cornerstone at Red Bull, he’s consistently defied expectations and earned his place at the front.
As he winds down Red Bull chapters and embarks on a new journey with Cadillac, Pérez is a proven performer and full-time contender—one whose journey continues to resonate with fans and newcomers alike.
