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 2024
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. 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 2024 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 Biography Details
| Born | Sergio Michel Pérez Mendoza 26 January 1990 (age 34) Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico |
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| Spouse | Carola Martínez (m. 2018) |
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| Children | 4 |
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| Relatives | Antonio Pérez (brother) |
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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.
