Sergio Perez

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Sergio Michel "Checo" Perez Mendoza was born on January 26, 1990, to third-generation racing parents in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. Today, he is racing for Red Bull Racing as one of the most esteemed Mexican Formula One drivers, having entered over 14 seasons of competition and boasting six Grand Prix victories. His greatest achievement was in the season of 2023 when Perez became the runner-up in the Formula One World Drivers' Championship and established himself as one of the best drivers in the world.

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Perez started karting at six but rose meteorically through junior formula racing. He won the national class of the British Formula 3 International Series in 2007 and then moved on to the GP2 Series, finishing second in 2010. Based on his outstanding performances, he was promoted to the Ferrari Driver Academy; in 2011, he entered Formula One with Sauber as "The Mexican Wunderkind." After racing for McLaren and then Force India, it is only after being with both teams that Perez finally broke through and sealed his first Grand Prix victory with Racing Point at the Sakhir GP in 2020.

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Since 2021, Perez has further impressed racing with Red Bull taking wins at the Azerbaijan, Monaco, and Singapore Grands Prix. The Mexican, never to give up, with razor-sharp strategic racecraft, holds several records: most starts before the first win in a Formula One car (190). As of 2024, Perez remains part of Red Bull Racing and will carry on racing to the very top right up to 2026, at the very minimum.

Sergio Perez’s Early Life

Sergio Perez was born and raised in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. Born in a family that was enthusiastic and interested in motorsports, he initially began karting when he was six, by watching his elder brother, Antonio who competed in stock car racing. Perez's talent became evident as he progressed through numerous championships of karting in Mexico before shifting to Europe to pursue a professional career.

He moved to junior formulae in 2004, rapidly working his way through the ranks, and In 2007 he won the national class of the British Formula 3 International Series. That victory led him into a higher-profile series and, in turn, brought him a GP2 Series seat in 2009. Strong performances there attracted the attention of the Formula One teams that followed him into Sauber in 2011.

Sergio Perez’s Personal Life

Sergio Perez lives a private personal life because he is always in the public eye. He is married to Carola Martínez whom he has known since his childhood. The couple is close and frequently attends other public events and racing competitions. Carola often visits with their children to follow Grand Prix races, which testifies that they hold high family values.

Outside of racing, Perez is also interested in soccer and is a family man. He is a huge fan of Mexico's biggest football club, Club América. He also expressed an interest in charitable activities through organizations such as the Checo Perez Foundation, which is involved in the rehabilitation of children suffering from cancer and charity for orphans.

Sergio Perez’s Family Background

Sergio Perez is born from a close family background with strong ties to motorsport. He was born to Antonio Perez Garibay and Marilu Mendoza de Perez in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. His father, Antonio Perez, is a renowned figure in Mexican motorsport, having worked as a racing driver and promoter, which played a great part in shaping Sergio's interest in racing and his early passion for it. Apart from being an active politician, which has kept him a prominent public figure in Mexico.

Sergio has two siblings: an older brother, Antonio Perez Jr., and a sister, Paola Perez. Like Sergio, Antonio Jr. is a racer and achieved fame in NASCAR Mexico as a prominent figure in the national series. Although Paolo is not into racing, she remains close to the family, visiting Sergio at any given time and showing support for her brothers in their respective careers. The Perez family has therefore been consistent in providing support as well as motivation to Sergio in his journey through Formula One to be one of the world's top drivers.

Sergio Perez’s Wife

Sergio Perez is married to Carola Martinez, a Mexican woman from Guadalajara in the Jalisco state. Sergio and Carola have been together for many years and married in a private ceremony in June 2018. Recently, they got their marriage blessed by Pope Francis. She is a private person, so Carola Martinez does not go around advertising her life. However, she zeroes in on Sergio and focuses more on his career as an auto racing driver. Though her profession is not widely advertised, she shares moments of her life through social media that show dedication to their children and family life. Carola and Sergio have two children together. The relationship is marked by mutual support it is not seldom to see Carola at the races cheering for her husband. They balance the difficult F1 schedule of Perez with a stable, loving family life

Sergio Perez’s Kids

Sergio has three children with his wife Carola Martinez. His firstborn is Sergio Perez Jr., whom he welcomed in December 2017. The couple's second child was Carlota Perez, whom they welcomed to this world in September 2019. They welcomed the third-born child - a girl named Emilio Perez in May 2022. On social media Sergio often posts stunning moments with his children, thereby reiterating how much he is embracing his role as a devoted father although his engagements in Formula 1 keep him busy. The family has some quality time during the breaks of the racing season.

Sergio Perez’s Social Media

Sergio Perez is active on various social media platforms where he engages with fans and gives updates concerning his racing career and personal life. Official accounts include:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schecoPerez/

X:https://twitter.com/SChecoPerez

Perez likes to share experiences of his race weekends and family moments with fans so that they are well-updated on everything happening in his professional and personal life.

Sergio Perez’s Net Worth

According to CelebrityNetworth.com, Sergio Perez's net worth is estimated at around $50 million. Most of his incomes come from his life in Formula 1, endorsement deals, and other investments. Perez has raced For some of the best teams like McLaren, Force India (now Aston Martin), and Red Bull Racing. The high income through a salary package and bonuses, coupled with substantial sponsorships, has accounted for most of his wealth. Apart from his racing career, he diversified his income into brand endorsement and investments in some businesses.

Sergio Perez’s Brand Ambassador

Sergio Perez is an ambassador of several brands, that represent the good image of the successful athlete such as

• Telcel - A major telecommunications company in Mexico

• Interproteccion - An insurance brokerage firm.

• Cerveza Victoria - One of Mexico's most popular beer brands.

Although figures associated with some endorsement deals he makes are contractually confidential, such deals significantly contribute to his overall earnings.

Sergio Perez’s Investments

Perez has undertaken various investments away from racing, which stems from his passions as well as sheer business sense. He has the powerboat racing team SP11 Team Mexico and has invested in real estate properties mainly in Guadalajara and other parts of Mexico. Therefore, such investments diversify his portfolio and help him stay engaged with motorsport outside Formula One.

Sergio Perez’s Career Stats

Formula 1 (F1) Career Stats

• Total Races: 267

• Podium Places: 39

• Races Won: 6

• World Championships: 0 (Runner-up in 2023)

Formula 2 (F2) Career Stats

• Total Races: 30

• Podium Places: 5

• Races Won: 2

• World Championships: 0

At all stages in his career, Perez has given excellent performance, enabling him to win the podium on more than one occasion and sometimes even win a few races. Though he could not secure the title of World Champion, statistics tell him to be one of the best drivers in the sport.

Sergio Perez’s Formula 1 Records

• Most Starts Before a Race Win: 190 starts

• Most Races Before a Pole Position: 215 races

• First Mexican to Win a Race with Red Bull Racing: Won at the 2021 Azerbaijan Grand Prix

• Most Podiums for a Mexican Driver: 39 podium finishes

• Consecutive Podiums: Three consecutive podium finishes in 2022

• Only Mexican Driver with Multiple Wins in the Same Season, Multiple wins in both the 2022 and 2023 seasons

Sergio Perez’s Race Wins

Sergio Perez’s Contract

Sergio Perez competes for Red Bull Racing and is contracted with that team through at least the end of the 2026 season. With that, he will continue to compete at the Formula 1 world-class level and will help contribute to championship-winning efforts alongside teammate Max Verstappen.

Past Contracts

Sauber (2011-2012)

Perez was recruited by Sauber for his debut season to Formula 1 and even got a deal that gave him a chance to prove himself. In 2012, Perez achieved his first podium finish, which formed the basis of his position in the sport.

McLaren (2013)

After his impressive stint with Sauber, Perez moved to McLaren and replaced Lewis Hamilton. The season went abysmally though, with Perez finishing no podiums, and he was let go after one year.

Force India (2014-2018)

Perez signed a contract valued at $16.5 million signing with Force India. He had an impressive track record with multiple podium finishes and became a key player in their strong line-up.

Racing Point (2019-2020)

When Force India was forced into administration, the team was sold and renamed to become Racing Point. Perez agreed to a further three-year deal with the new name. Perez took his first Grand Prix win for the team with the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix, becoming the first Mexican to take the win since Pedro Rodríguez.

Return to Red Bull Racing

Perez is back at Red Bull Racing in 2021. His deal will have the driver cemented as an elite driver, and he bags much for the team during the remainder of his term.

Sergio Perez’s Awards

Sergio Perez’s Cars

Sergio Perez has driven some quite significant cars throughout his career in Formula One. He has featured on the car-to-rookie-to-champion paths with some of these notable cars.

• Sauber C30 (2011) was the first car Perez drove in Formula One with some real hope when he demonstrated his ability by achieving three podium finishes.

• McLaren MP4-28 (2013), was not a great car, but that is where Perez was driving when they signed him as Lewis Hamilton's replacement.

• Force India VJM07 (2014), coming back into the midfield with Force India, Perez scored podiums at several races, including one in Bahrain.

• Force India VJM10 (2017), this car helped Perez show further virtues, with point-scoring performances for the entire season.

• Racing Point RP20 (2020) Perez garnered his first-ever win with the Sakhir Grand Prix.

• Red Bull RB16 (2021) with Red Bull Racing, Perez demonstrated rapid adaptation to the demanding environment and was making a good contribution towards the team's performance.

• Red Bull RB18, RB 19 (2022, 2023), Perez remained with Red Bull and gave outstanding performances, including some podium finishes and wins.

• Red Bull RB 20, is not the best car for Perez apart from the initial races, Perez has been constantly struggling to push through for points in the 2024 season.