Sergio “Checo” Perez is set to reach a significant career milestone this weekend, marking his 300th Formula One start in front of his home fans at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City. The 35-year-old reflects on a journey that began with a move to Europe as a teenager, paralleling the sport’s dramatic resurgence in his home country.
“Honestly, not even in my wildest dreams could I have imagined it,” Perez told reporters on Tuesday. He noted that achieving such a high number of race starts is an unforgettable moment that underscores both his professional commitment and the longevity of his career. One that makes me very proud of my career and of the professionalism I have had”, reaching so many Grands Prix will be an unforgettable moment.
His path to this milestone includes stints with Sauber, McLaren, Force India, Racing Point, and Red Bull, before taking on his current role with Cadillac. His standout memories include his maiden victory in Bahrain in 2020, a win in Monaco in 2022, and a cherished podium finish at his home race. Having raced for Sauber, McLaren, Force India, Racing Point and Red Bull, before joining Cadillac’s new project, the 35-year-old has spent more than 15 years in Formula One.
The return of Formula One to Mexico in 2015, following a 23-year hiatus, proved transformative for the driver. Perez observed that before the race returned, motorsport felt distant to many locals, but it has since turned the country into one of the most passionate stops on the global calendar.
This landmark start arrives after a reshaped season schedule, which saw the cancellation of races in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, the latter being replaced by a round in Malaysia. This shift allowed his 300th start to coincide with his home event.
Following a season away from the grid, Perez shared that his perspective on the sport’s high-pressure environment has evolved. “When I stepped away from Formula 1, I realised that not every single moment is that important,” he explained, adding that maintaining balance is essential for longevity. 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 bad ones.
Currently, Perez is focused on the difficult task of establishing the new Cadillac team. “This is my greatest challenge and my biggest objective: to take Cadillac forward,” he said. “We started from the back, and I want to see how far we can go over the coming years.”
As he looks toward the future, the veteran driver is adamant about managing his own exit from the sport. He emphasized the importance of ending his career on a high note while still performing at a competitive level, rather than waiting to be pushed out.
While his current focus remains firmly on driving, he is open to what comes next. “When my time as a driver ends, I have always said that I am excited about exploring other areas and learning other things,” he concluded.
