The Five Reasons Why the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix Will Be Special for Sergio “Checo” Pérez
The Mexican driver will be one of the biggest attractions at Formula 1’s premier event in his home country. Here’s everything you need to know.
The Mexico City Grand Prix will hold special significance for Sergio “Checo” Pérez. The Mexican driver will compete at home in a historic race in his Formula 1 career, shaped by his return to the series, the unwavering support of his fans, and a new challenge with Cadillac. Here are five reasons why this event will be so special for “El Viejo Sabroso.”
300 RACES IN FORMULA 1
The Mexico City Grand Prix will be the setting for Checo Pérez to reach the milestone of 300 races in the pinnacle of motorsport. The Mexican driver acknowledged the significance of the achievement and reflected on the obstacles he had to overcome to reach this landmark.
“It’s crazy to reach 300 Grands Prix at home,” Pérez said, recalling the races that were canceled and those he was unable to compete in. For that reason, he expects to experience a different and truly special race weekend.
HE’LL FEEL THE LOVE OF MEXICAN FANS AGAIN
After missing the 2025 season following his departure from Red Bull, Pérez will return to racing in front of his home fans at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. The Guadalajara-born driver acknowledged that the support of the fans was one of the things he missed most during his time away from the sport.
“What I missed the most was the fans and all the love they give me. They are a fundamental part of why I came back,” he said. He also admitted that watching last year’s drivers’ parade from the sidelines made him feel nostalgic. “It was difficult to watch from the outside.”
HE’LL DEBUT A SPECIAL EDITION HELMET
The celebration of his 300 Grands Prix will also feature a special tribute. Checo Pérez unveiled the helmet he will wear throughout the race weekend, featuring a design dedicated to this milestone in his career.
“It has a great design. It’s my favorite one so far,” the Mexican driver said as he revealed the helmet. The commemorative piece will accompany an important weekend as he looks to reconnect with the fans who have supported him throughout his career.
HE’LL EMBARK ON A NEW CHAPTER WITH CADILLAC
Pérez’s return to F1 represents a different challenge with Cadillac, as he helps develop a project aiming to establish itself in the category. The Mexican driver highlighted the importance of contributing both on and off the track.
“Off the track, it’s extremely important to lead the team well, attract new talent, and drive development,” he explained. He also described the year as “extremely intense” because of all the work involved, making the project’s ambition clear: “We want to make Cadillac one of the leading teams in Formula 1.”
HE’LL KEEP HIS COMPETITIVE DRIVE ALIVE
At 35, the Mexican driver insists he remains motivated to give his best and has no plans to end his career as long as that determination remains. Pérez, the 2023 world championship runner-up and a six-time Grand Prix winner between 2020 and 2023, wants to bring his Formula 1 career to a successful close.
“When I’m no longer motivated, when I’m not giving 100 percent, or when another driver comes along and is doing much better, that’s when I’d say it’s time,” he stated. He added: “As long as that doesn’t happen, I want to finish my career in the most successful way possible.”
The Mexico City Grand Prix will therefore mean much more than just another race for Checo Pérez: a historic milestone, a reunion with his home fans, and an opportunity to build momentum in this new chapter of his Formula 1 career.
CHECO PÉREZ’S MEXICO CITY GRAND PRIX RESULTS
| Year | Team | Finish | Status / Incident |
| 2015 | Force India | 8th | Finished |
| 2016 | Force India | 10th | Finished |
| 2017 | Force India | 7th | Finished |
| 2018 | Force India | Retired | Brake failure |
| 2019 | Racing Point | 7th | Finished |
| 2020 | Racing Point | Not held | Canceled due to COVID-19 |
| 2021 | Red Bull Racing | 3rd | Podium |
| 2022 | Red Bull Racing | 3rd | Podium |
| 2023 | Red Bull Racing | Retired | First-lap collision |
| 2024 | Red Bull Racing | 17th | Finished |
| 2025 | No team | Did not compete | Without a team that season |
| 2026 | Cadillac | Upcoming | Scheduled for November 1 |
KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE MEXICO CITY GRAND PRIX FOR CHECO PÉREZ
- 🏁 300TH GRAND PRIX: Checo Pérez will reach 300 Formula 1 race starts in front of his home fans.
- 🇲🇽 REUNITED WITH HIS FANS: The Mexican driver acknowledged that the support and affection of his fans played a key role in his return to the series.
- 🏎️ A NEW CHALLENGE WITH CADILLAC: He aims to help develop the team and bring his F1 career to the most successful conclusion possible.
