Sergio Pérez

Sergio Michel "Checo" Pérez Mendoza (born 26 January 1990) is a Mexican racing driver currently competing in Formula One, having achieved six Grand Prix victories across 14 seasons with Sauber, McLaren, Force India, Racing Point, and Red Bull Racing, becoming Mexico's most successful Formula One driver and finishing runner-up in the 2023 World Championship before being released by Red Bull at the end of 2024—though confirmed to return for 2026 with Cadillac. Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, Pérez began competitive karting at age six and is Mexico's first Formula One driver in 30 years since Héctor Rebaque in 1981. He won the national class of the 2007 British Formula 3 International Series and progressed to GP2, finishing runner-up to Pastor Maldonado in 2010 with Addax.

Pérez joined Ferrari Driver Academy from 2010-2012 while making his Formula One debut with Sauber in 2011, where he remained through 2012, achieving podium finishes. He moved to McLaren for 2013 but struggled to match teammate Jenson Button, leading to his replacement after one season. However, Pérez revitalized his career at Force India (later Racing Point) from 2014-2020, achieving multiple podiums and establishing himself as one of Formula One's most consistent midfield drivers, known for excellent tire management and strategic racing. Red Bull rescued his career when they confirmed him to replace Alexander Albon alongside Max Verstappen for 2021.

Pérez won his sixth start for Red Bull at the 2021 Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku and played a crucial role in Verstappen's championship—his defensive work against Lewis Hamilton at the Abu Dhabi season finale allowed Verstappen to close a seven-second gap, proving decisive in Verstappen's title victory. In 2022, Pérez claimed victories at Monaco and Singapore, earned his first pole position in Saudi Arabia, and finished third in the championship. His 2023 season brought runner-up in the World Championship behind teammate Verstappen, winning races in Jeddah and Baku early in the season though form declined dramatically in the second half. The 2024 season saw continued struggles with poor results leading Red Bull to release him at season's end.

Throughout his career, Pérez has amassed more championship points than any other Mexican driver in Formula One history, with six race victories, three pole positions, and numerous podiums across 14 seasons establishing him as Mexico's greatest Formula One driver and a source of enormous national pride, regularly drawing massive support from Mexican fans worldwide.