Checo Pérez: From Dreams of Glory to F1’s Tire Whisperer

Sergio "Checo" Pérez's career in Formula 1 is like a well-seasoned Mexican chili—full of flavor, spice, and occasional surprises. From humble beginnings at Sauber to fiery performances at Red Bull Racing & Red Bull Technology , Checo’s time in Formula 1 has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, leaving a legacy that's both colorful and bittersweet.

Starting Out with Passion and Tacos

Pérez entered Formula 1 in 2011 as a young, ambitious driver from Guadalajara, ready to take on the motorsport world. From the outset, he surprised everyone—notably by extracting more from the Sauber car than its budget suggested was possible. In his second season, he secured three podiums, including an impressive run in rainy Malaysia where he nearly overtook Fernando Alonso. At that moment, the F1 world started to say: “Hey, this Checo guy isn’t bad.” Ferrari even considered him as a future driver but ultimately decided to stick with Massa—because what could possibly go wrong?

McLaren’s Downward Spiral: One Season Too Many

When Pérez signed with McLaren for 2013, it seemed like his big break had arrived. Well, it hadn’t. The season turned out to be full of disappointment, arguments, and attempts to prove to Jenson Button that he could drive just as wide as the car allowed. McLaren was in a crisis akin to eating tacos without salsa—something was happening, but the joy wasn’t there.

By the end of the year, Pérez was left without a seat, and his F1 career seemed at risk. But true to his fighting spirit, Checo made a comeback, joining Force India—a team with a budget smaller than a Red Bull commercial, but with enough ambition to power two lifetimes.

Force India and Racing Point: The Pink Era of Points and Persistence

It was with Force India, later rebranded as Racing Point, that Pérez truly proved his mettle. Consistent points finishes, flashes of brilliance, and unmatched tire management earned him the reputation of being one of the most underrated drivers on the grid.

The pinnacle of this era came in 2020, during the Sakhir GP, when Pérez secured his first F1 victory. After dropping to the back of the field on the first lap, he climbed his way back to the top, proving that sometimes you need to hit rock bottom to bounce back. That day, even the toughest F1 critics admitted: “Alright, Checo really can deliver.”

Red Bull: Glory, Sacrifice, and a Bitter Farewell

When Red Bull announced Pérez as part of their 2021 lineup, Mexican fans popped champagne, while the rest of the world wondered if he could handle the pressure. The answer? Yes—with a twist.

Checo’s primary role was to support Max Verstappen, which translated to blocking Hamilton, managing tires, and sometimes acting as a shield when Max was in a hurry. In this role, he excelled—his legendary defense at the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP was a key factor in Verstappen’s first championship win.

But Checo wasn’t just a "second fiddle." During his time at Red Bull, he secured several spectacular wins, particularly in Monaco and Singapore, demonstrating that under the right circumstances, he was unstoppable. Unfortunately, the 2024 season brought inconsistency and mounting pressure, with Red Bull finally opting to part ways with him at the end of the year.

This unexpected end to his Red Bull tenure underscores the brutal nature of Formula 1, where even a seasoned driver like Pérez can find himself sidelined when results falter.

Checo’s Legacy: Love, Chaos, and Tacos

Sergio Pérez is a driver who is impossible not to like. He may not have become a world champion, but he showed that talent, perseverance, and a bit of luck can take you far. His career is proof that even if you’re not in the best car or position, you can still write your own story of resilience and triumph.

While Checo’s chapter with Red Bull may be over, his journey in Formula 1 remains a testament to the fact that every race, every challenge, and every podium tells a story worth remembering. Whether he continues on the grid or takes his skills elsewhere, one thing is clear: Checo brought spice, heart, and a dash of chaos to the world of F1, and the sport is better for it.