From Sauber to Force India: a start full of ups and downs

Checo Pérez made his Formula 1 debut at the 2011 Australian Grand Prix, driving for Sauber alongside Japanese teammate Kamui Kobayashi. The Mexican crossed the finish line in 13th but was later disqualified due to technical irregularities in his car. Despite the setback, he impressed with his quick adaptation to the top category.

In 2012, still with Sauber, he scored his first points in Melbourne with an eighth-place finish. A year later, in 2013, Pérez switched to McLaren following Lewis Hamilton’s departure to Mercedes. However, his debut with the British team proved difficult, as he ended up in 11th place.

The following year, he joined Force India. In his first races with the team and in the seasons that followed, Pérez’s opening results ranged between seventh and tenth place, showing consistency that helped establish him in the grid.

Red Bull and his most memorable debuts

Years later, Checo Pérez reached his biggest opportunity when he signed for Red Bull Racing in 2021. His debut came at the Bahrain Grand Prix, where he finished fifth, immediately proving his value to the team.

In 2022, again in Bahrain, the Mexican looked set for a podium finish, but mechanical issues forced him to retire. Redemption came in 2023, when he secured an impressive second place at the same circuit, confirming his reliability as one of the strongest drivers in the field.

During his time with Racing Point, before making the jump to Red Bull, Pérez also had notable season starts — such as at the 2020 Austrian Grand Prix, where he finished sixth in a pandemic-affected campaign.

A history of perseverance and consistency

Across more than a decade, Checo Pérez has debuted with teams like Sauber, McLaren, Force India, Racing Point and Red Bull. His track record includes both setbacks and triumphs, but always with the persistence that has defined his career.