During this weekend, Sergio Pérez joins the exclusive club of drivers who have surpassed 300 Formula 1 races. This event marks an important achievement in his career, placing him alongside legends such as Michael Schumacher and Jenson Button.
Next, we analyze the most significant moments that have defined the trajectory of the Mexican driver in the world of motorsport.
1. Debut in Australia 2011: surprise and disqualification
Pérez’s entry into Formula 1 marked the end of a 30-year absence of Mexican drivers in this category. Despite a complicated start in GP2, his victory in Monaco opened the doors for Sauber, where he debuted at the 2011 Australian GP, initially finishing in seventh position, although he was subsequently disqualified for a technical infringement.
2. First podium in Malaysia 2012: the epic battle against Alonso
A year after his debut, Pérez earned the respect of his rivals by finishing second in the Malaysia GP. On a rainy day, the Mexican led several laps, battling intensely against Fernando Alonso for the victory, which finally marked the first podium for Mexico in 41 years.
3. Podium in Monza 2012: the day Lauda discovered Pérez
On September 9, 2012, Pérez recorded his second podium at the Italian GP, where he made a spectacular comeback. His performance impressed so much that Niki Lauda honored him for his outstanding performance during the race.
4. Season at McLaren in 2013: a difficult experience
After his success in Monza, Pérez signed with McLaren, but the 2013 season was not what he expected. Technical issues and internal differences resulted in him finishing in 11th position in the championship, without podiums that year.
5. Renaissance at Force India and historic podiums
In 2014, Pérez signed with Force India, where he achieved the first podium for the team since 2009. The chemistry with the team was immediate, and the driver secured a total of five podiums during his time with the British outfit.
6. The legal battle at Force India that saved jobs
During the 2018 season, Force India’s financial situation was critical. Pérez initiated legal actions that facilitated the sale of the team, preserving 400 jobs at the factory.
7. Victory at the Sakhir GP 2020 and the Red Bull call
Despite the unexpected situation with his contract with Aston Martin, Pérez shone at the Sakhir GP 2020, where he achieved his first victory in F1. This spectacular result caught the attention of Red Bull, which was looking for a second driver.
8. Abu Dhabi GP 2021: Crown as ‘Minister of Defense’
With his entry into Red Bull, Pérez proved his importance as a support driver. At the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP, he successfully defended his position to allow Max Verstappen to leverage a key advantage in the championship fight.
9. 2024 Season: internal crisis and exit from Red Bull
After significant victories, the 2024 season began with hope, but was marked by internal tensions that led to a drop in performance. Ultimately, his contract was terminated at the end of the year.
10. Unexpected return with Cadillac F1: 300 races and beyond
With his return to F1 with Cadillac, Pérez celebrates his 300th Grand Prix. Despite initial challenges, the Mexican driver has proven to remain a valuable asset for the team as he prepares for the 2027 season.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
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