Sergio Michel “Checo” Pérez Mendoza born January 26, 1990 is a Mexican racing driver currently competing in Formula One for Red Bull Racing. Pérez finished as the runner-up in the 2023 Formula One World Drivers’ Championship with Red Bull and has won six Grands Prix across his 14-season career. Born and raised in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Pérez began kart racing at the age of six. He advanced to junior formula racing in 2004 and claimed his first championship in the national class of the 2007 British Formula 3 International Series. Pérez moved to the GP2 Series in 2009 and finished second in the 2010 season behind Pastor Maldonado with the Addax team. A member of the Ferrari Driver Academy from 2010 to 2012, Pérez signed with Sauber for the 2011 season, making his Formula One debut at the Australian Grand Prix, although both Sauber drivers were disqualified for an illegal rear wing. Pérez enjoyed more success in 2012, securing his first podium finishes in Malaysia, Canada, and Italy. His achievements earned him the nickname “The Mexican Wunderkind.”
Sergio Pérez Biography 2025
In 2013, Pérez joined McLaren, replacing Lewis Hamilton to partner Jenson Button. However, after a podium-less season, he moved to Force India in 2014, where he earned five podium finishes. Following the team’s rebranding to Racing Point in 2018, Pérez placed fourth in the 2020 championship and secured his first career win at the Sakhir Grand Prix, overcoming a last-place start.
Sergio Pérez Biography Details
| Born |
Sergio Michel Pérez Mendoza
26 January 1990 Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
|
|---|---|
| Spouse |
Carola Martínez
(m. 2018) |
| Children | 4 |
| Relatives | Antonio Pérez (brother) |
Sergio Pérez Achievements
In 2021, Pérez replaced Sebastian Vettel at Aston Martin, joining Red Bull Racing to partner Max Verstappen. He won his first race for the team at the 2021 Azerbaijan Grand Prix and secured additional victories at the Monaco and Singapore Grands Prix in 2022, alongside his first pole position in Saudi Arabia. He finished third in the 2022 championship and second in 2023. As of the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix, Pérez has achieved six race wins, three pole positions, 12 fastest laps, and 39 podiums in Formula One. He holds the records for the most starts before a race win (190) and the most races before a pole position (219). Pérez is contracted with Red Bull until at least the end of the 2026 season.
Sergio Pérez Early Life
Sergio Pérez was born to Antonio Pérez Garibay and Marilú Mendoza de Pérez in Guadalajara. He has an older brother, Antonio, a former stock car racing driver, and an older sister, Paola. Pérez is married to Carola Martínez Galindo, and the couple has four children. He is a practicing Catholic. Both Pérez brothers are passionate football fans and considered pursuing professional football careers before settling on racing. They are friends with Mexican footballer Javier Hernández. In a 2012 interview, Pérez revealed that had he not become a racing driver, he would have pursued a career as a lawyer.
Sergio Pérez Career Overview
| Key Topic | Details of Career Journey |
| Early Career | Began racing in go-karts and moved through various junior series. |
| Formula 1 Debut | Debuted in 2011 with Sauber, gaining attention with strong performances. |
| Career Milestone | Won his first Formula 1 race at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix. |
| Current Team | Red Bull Racing, joining in 2021 as a key driver alongside Verstappen. |
Career Achievements
| Achievement | Year |
| First F1 Win | 2020, Sakhir Grand Prix |
| Podium Finishes | Multiple podiums in 2021 and 2022 |
| Consistency in Points | Regular top 10 finishes across seasons |
| Key Role in Team Success | Contributed to Red Bull’s Constructors’ Championship victories |
Team Affiliations
| Team | Period |
| Sauber | 2011-2012 |
| McLaren | 2013 |
| Force India / Racing Point | 2014-2020 |
| Red Bull Racing | 2021-Present |
Sergio Pérez Driving Style
| Key Trait | Description |
| Tire Management | Known for saving tires and making strategic pit stops. |
| Aggression vs Consistency | Focused on consistency rather than aggressive overtakes. |
| Adaptability | Adjusts quickly to different car setups and conditions. |
Impact on Mexican Motorsport
| Contribution | Details |
| Role Model for Young Drivers | Inspired many aspiring Mexican racers to pursue F1 careers. |
| Increased F1 Popularity in Mexico | Boosted Formula 1’s visibility and viewership in Mexico. |
Sergio Pérez Breakthrough Victory
| Race Event | Details |
| Sakhir Grand Prix | Won his first F1 race after 190 starts, making history. |
| Strategic Prowess | Managed tire strategy in a chaotic race to secure the win. |
Pérez’s Formula 1 Career Statistics
| Statistic | Value |
| Total Races | Over 250 races in F1 |
| Total Wins | Multiple career wins, including 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix |
| Podium Finishes | Over 10 podiums |
Sergio Pérez Role at Red Bull Racing
| Role | Importance to Red Bull |
| Support to Verstappen | Helps team secure both drivers’ and constructors’ championships. |
| Consistent Scorer | Contributes critical points in both championship battles. |
Sergio Pérez Performance at Key Grand Prix Races
| Race Event | Best Finish |
| Monaco Grand Prix | Consistently strong performances, including a win in 2022 |
| Azerbaijan Grand Prix | Scored podiums and valuable points for the team. |
Pérez’s Evolution in Formula 1
| Key Milestone | Evolution in F1 |
| Early Struggles | Faced challenges in the first few seasons with Sauber and McLaren. |
| Breakthrough with Force India | Emerged as a consistent points scorer and race contender. |
| Peak Performance at Red Bull | Became a key player in securing Red Bull’s multiple championships. |
Tactics Used by Sergio Pérez in Races
| Strategy | Impact on Race Performance |
| Tire Management | Maximized tire lifespan to gain positions in later stages. |
| Pitting Strategy | Opted for alternate pit strategies in tough race conditions. |
Fan and Media Perception
| Media Coverage | Type of Perception |
| Positive Media Attention | Praised for his consistency and composure under pressure. |
| Fan Support in Mexico | Enjoys significant fan base due to his national representation. |
Comparison to Other F1 Drivers
| Driver Comparison | Strengths Compared to Pérez |
| Max Verstappen | Verstappen’s dominance in qualifying contrasts with Pérez’s race consistency. |
| Lewis Hamilton | Hamilton’s raw pace and Pérez’s strategic tire management. |
Sergio Pérez Key Rivalries
| Rival Driver | Rivalry Highlights |
| Max Verstappen | Team dynamic within Red Bull Racing and on-track competition. |
| Lewis Hamilton | Competitive battles with Hamilton in multiple seasons. |
Support to Red Bull’s Constructors’ Championship
| Contribution | Details |
| Consistent Points Scorer | Regularly finished in the top 5, securing team points. |
| Backup for Verstappen | Assisted Verstappen in securing the drivers’ championship. |
Sergio Pérez Career Prospects
| Future Goals | Prospects for Continued Success |
| Further Race Wins | Aiming for more victories with Red Bull Racing. |
| Team Leadership Role | Potential future leader within a top F1 team. |
Sergio Pérez Personal Life
| Personal Insight | Description |
| Family Support | Strong backing from family throughout his racing career. |
| Community Involvement | Engages in charitable activities and promotes motorsport in Mexico. |
Sergio Pérez Net Worth
Sergio Perez has an estimated net worth of $50 million.
Sergio Pérez Summary
Sergio Pérez journey in Formula 1 is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and adaptability. From his debut with Sauber to his current role at Red Bull Racing, Pérez has steadily climbed the ranks, proving himself as a formidable force in the sport. His tire management, consistency, and strategic approach have made him a key asset to his team, while his breakthrough win in 2020 solidified his place in F1 history. Pérez continues to inspire both Mexican fans and aspiring drivers worldwide, solidifying his legacy as one of the most respected drivers in the sport today.
FAQs
What was Sergio Pérez’s first Formula 1 win?
Sergio Pérez won his first Formula 1 race at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix, after starting from last place and showcasing exceptional tire management to secure the victory.
What role does Sergio Pérez play at Red Bull Racing?
At Red Bull Racing, Sergio Pérez plays a key role in supporting Max Verstappen, consistently contributing valuable points to the team’s Constructors’ Championship efforts.
How many podium finishes has Sergio Pérez achieved in his career?
Sergio Pérez has secured over 10 podium finishes in his Formula 1 career, with key podiums at various Grand Prix events, including Monaco and Azerbaijan.
What is Sergio Pérez known for in terms of his driving style?
Sergio Pérez is particularly known for his tire management skills, allowing him to extend stints and make strategic pit stops. He is also recognized for focusing on consistency rather than aggressive overtaking.
Has Sergio Pérez had any significant rivalries in Formula 1?
Yes, Sergio Pérez has had notable rivalries with Max Verstappen within Red Bull Racing, as well as with Lewis Hamilton in multiple seasons, particularly in battles for podiums and race wins.
What is Sergio Pérez’s estimated net worth?
Sergio Pérez has an estimated net worth of $50 million, accumulated through his successful Formula 1 career, sponsorship deals, and team contracts.