Sergio Perez

2026 Season Stats

Career Stats

Biography

Sergio "Checo" Perez is a Mexican Formula 1 driver whose career has been defined by tire management mastery, race-day heroics, and an enormous fanbase that transforms every race he attends into a celebration. Born on January 26, 1990 in Guadalajara, Mexico, Perez moved to Europe as a teenager to pursue racing, overcoming the significant challenge of competing far from home with limited resources compared to many of his rivals.

Perez made his F1 debut with Sauber in 2011 and quickly showed his potential with a series of stunning podium finishes in 2012, including second-place finishes at the Malaysian and Italian Grands Prix that led to his signing with McLaren for 2013. After a difficult year at McLaren, Perez moved to Force India where he spent seven seasons as a consistent points scorer and occasional podium contender, earning the nickname "the Mexican Minister of Defence" for his exceptional tire management and defensive driving skills.

The highlight of Perez's career came at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix, where he won his first race after starting last and recovering from what appeared to be a race-ending incident. That victory helped secure his move to Red Bull Racing for 2021, where he would spend four seasons alongside Max Verstappen. During his Red Bull tenure, Perez won five more races, including memorable victories in Monaco and Singapore, and played a crucial supporting role in the team's constructors' championships.

For 2026, Perez has joined Cadillac as part of the American manufacturer's new F1 entry. Without points after three races, the Cadillac project is in its infancy, but Perez's experience of operating at the highest level of F1 is precisely what a new team needs. At 36, he brings knowledge, commercial appeal - particularly in the American market - and a work ethic that has kept him competitive across 15 seasons. The Mexican Grand Prix remains one of the most atmospheric events on the calendar, largely thanks to Perez's enormous popularity in his home country.

Interesting Facts

• Won his first race from last place at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix
• Known as "Checo" and nicknamed "the Mexican Minister of Defence" for his tire management
• Won 6 races during his career, including 5 at Red Bull Racing
• The Mexican Grand Prix is one of the best-attended events on the F1 calendar because of his popularity
• Has driven for six different F1 teams - Sauber, McLaren, Force India, Racing Point, Red Bull, and Cadillac
• Helped Red Bull win two constructors' championships during his time with the team

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