Sergio “Checo” Perez is set to achieve a major career milestone this week, lining up for his 300th Formula One start on home soil in Mexico City.
The 35-year-old driver described the achievement as something beyond his wildest expectations, noting that it represents an unforgettable moment that underscores his professionalism throughout his time in the sport.
Reflecting on the journey that began with his departure from Mexico as a teenager, Perez emphasized that the growth of Formula One in his home country has been a defining feature of his career. The sport’s return to Mexico in 2015 after a 23-year absence proved pivotal, helping turn the nation into one of the most passionate fan bases on the global calendar.
Perez’s path to 300 appearances has spanned over 15 years, involving tenures with Sauber, McLaren, Force India, Racing Point, and Red Bull. He identifies his debut victory in Bahrain in 2020, his 2022 Monaco Grand Prix triumph, and securing a podium finish at his home race in Mexico as the defining highlights of his racing life. For me, it became the best Grand Prix in Formula 1,” he said. When I stepped away from Formula 1, I realised that not every single moment is that important,” Perez said. “What matters is staying balanced, not feeling too high in the good moments and not feeling too low in the b.
A scheduling change, prompted by the cancellation of the Saudi Arabian and Bahrain Grands Prix, moved his milestone event to the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. This alignment has added emotional weight to the occasion, as he prepares to race in front of the local crowd that helped cement the Mexican Grand Prix as a premier event for the driver. Honestly, not even in my wildest dreams could I have imagined it,” Perez told reporters on Tuesday about reaching the milestone at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
Now operating within the Cadillac project, Perez is embracing the challenge of building a team from the ground up. He views this phase as his primary objective, stating that while the team began at the back of the grid, he is motivated to see how much progress they can achieve in the coming seasons. This is my greatest challenge and my biggest objective: to take Cadillac forward,” he said.
His perspective on the sport has also been influenced by a recent season away from the grid. This break provided him with a clearer understanding of the pressures associated with Formula One, leading him to prioritize a balanced mindset rather than letting temporary highs or lows dictate his state of mind.
Looking toward his eventual retirement, Perez remains adamant that he wants to control the timing of his exit. He stated that it is vital for him to conclude his professional journey on a high note while still performing at an elite level, rather than leaving under different circumstances.
When asked about his post-driving future, he noted that he is currently focused entirely on his role as a pilot. However, he remains open to exploring new professional areas and continuing his learning process once his time as a Formula One driver eventually reaches its natural conclusion.
