Sergio Perez

Sergio Michel Pérez Mendoza, universally known as "Checo," was born on January 26, 1990, in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. He is one of the most experienced and commercially important drivers in Formula 1 history, with a massive fanbase across Mexico and Latin America that has helped transform the Mexican Grand Prix into one of the most spectacular events on the calendar.

Pérez's junior career took him through the traditional European single-seater ladder: Formula BMW ADAC, British Formula 3, and GP2, where he finished second in the 2010 championship. He made his F1 debut with Sauber in 2011 and immediately showed his racecraft, taking three podium finishes in his second season — performances that earned him a move to McLaren for 2013.

The McLaren stint was brief and difficult — the team was in decline and Pérez was released after just one season. He moved to Force India in 2014, beginning what would become a remarkably successful partnership. Over seven seasons at Force India (later Racing Point), Pérez became one of the most consistent points scorers in F1, regularly dragging the midfield car to podium finishes through his extraordinary tyre management and strategic intelligence.

The pinnacle of his Force India/Racing Point career came at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix in Bahrain. Having been told he would lose his seat for 2021, Pérez produced one of the most emotional drives in recent F1 history. After being dead last on the first lap following a first-corner incident, he carved through the field to win the race — his first F1 victory after 190 starts. The celebrations were emotional and heartfelt.

This victory, combined with his consistently strong performances, earned Pérez a seat at Red Bull Racing alongside Max Verstappen for 2021. At Red Bull, Pérez contributed significantly to the team's constructors' championship success, providing the consistent points and occasional race wins needed to secure titles. His victories at circuits like Monaco, Singapore, and Azerbaijan showcased his supreme skill on street circuits.

Known as one of the greatest tyre managers in F1 history, Pérez's ability to extend stints and deliver strong race-day performances made him a formidable competitor. His move to the Cadillac project brings his vast experience and commercial appeal to the newest team on the grid.