Sergio “Checo” Pérez announced his departure from Red Bull Racing and his retirement from Formula 1 after 14 seasons in the top motorsport category. The news, officially confirmed through a statement on his social media, marks the end of a brilliant chapter for the Mexican driver, who was a key figure in  Milton Keynes team success but whose recent seasons ultimately led to his exit from the highest level of racing.

In his farewell message, Pérez expressed his gratitude to his team and fans: “Driving for Red Bull has been an unforgettable experience. I will always treasure the records we broke and the achievements we reached together.” Meanwhile, Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, highlighted the Mexican’s legacy: “Checo played a crucial role in our constructors’ titles, and he will always be part of our history.”

HIS F1 NUMBERS

Doubts about the Mexican driver were always present in the paddock. From his arrival in Formula 1, many did not see a bright future for him, but he proved them wrong, building a long career in the sport’s top category. He reached 281 Grand Prix starts, ranking eighth on the list of drivers with the most races in F1. His first victory came at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix with Racing Point, after a record of 190 races without a win. He accumulated a total of 6 wins, excelling on urban circuits like Monaco, Baku, and Singapore.

Additionally, Pérez secured 39 podium finishes and 3 pole positions, becoming the second most successful Mexican driver in the history of the sport, after Pedro Rodríguez. His consistency was also reflected in his 242 race finishes, one of the highest completion rates in the history of the category.

HIS LEGACY AND FALL AT RED BULL

Pérez’s arrival at Red Bull in 2021 marked a turning point in his career. In four seasons with the team, he achieved 29 podiums and contributed significantly to the constructors’ titles in 2022 and 2023. His rivalry and collaboration with Max Verstappen were key aspects of his time at the team, establishing him as a fundamental driver for their success.

However, his performance in his final season with Red Bull fell short of expectations. Despite a promising start with victories in circuits like Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan, mistakes in qualifying, race retirements, and a lack of consistency weighed heavily on his results. His inability to maintain pace against teammate Max Verstappen, combined with growing media and team pressure, led to difficulties in regaining his confidence during the latter stages of the championship.

CHECO´S FUTURE

Pérez’s departure opens a new chapter for Red Bull, with Liam Lawson emerging as the leading candidate to join Verstappen in 2025. Meanwhile, the Mexican’s retirement marks the end of an era for Formula 1, leaving behind a legacy that will be hard to match.

For his fans and the sport, Sergio “Checo” Pérez is not just a driver who left his mark on the track but a symbol of how determination can overcome adversity and reach the highest levels of motorsport.