Sergio Perez Reflects on His 300 Grand Prix Starts and Storied F1 Career

Sergio Perez is preparing for a landmark moment in his Formula 1 career as he heads into his 300th Grand Prix start at the Mexico City Grand Prix. This milestone places him seventh on the all-time list, surpassing Sebastian Vettel. As he approaches this significant race, Perez took time to reflect on his journey, sharing memories from his tenure with Sauber, McLaren, Force India/Racing Point, Red Bull, and now Cadillac.

Sauber Beginnings Perez’s F1 story began in 2011 with Sauber after successful stints in British F3 and GP2. He quickly made a name for himself, finishing seventh on his debut at the Australian Grand Prix—only to have the result nullified due to a technical infringement. Despite this setback, Perez's talent shone through, particularly in 2012 when he nearly clinched victory in Malaysia, battling none other than Fernando Alonso.

Reflecting on those early days, Perez said, “I came up to F1 with nothing, and now I’m a dad of four kids… Not even in my best dreams could I have imagined having such a successful career.”

The McLaren Challenge Following his impressive performances, Perez was highly sought after, with McLaren snapping him up for the 2013 season. However, the move didn’t pan out as hoped; McLaren struggled with an underwhelming car, and Perez was unable to secure a podium finish. This period was challenging, as he went from being a sought-after driver to facing an uncertain future.

Redemption at Force India Perez found a lifeline with Force India in 2014, just as F1 entered the hybrid era. He quickly settled in, securing a podium in Bahrain and becoming a consistent points scorer. His time with Force India, marred by financial challenges, was also marked by significant moments, such as the return of the Mexican Grand Prix in 2015, a race that held great personal significance for him.

First Victory with Racing Point The 2020 season, disrupted by Covid-19, saw Perez miss two races but also achieve his first F1 victory in Bahrain. After a dramatic race, where he fell to the back after an early collision, Perez fought his way to the front, taking advantage of strategic calls and misfortunes for others to claim a historic win.

A New Chapter with Red Bull Perez’s move to Red Bull in 2021 was a pivotal moment, offering him another shot with a top team. He quickly proved his worth, securing victory in Azerbaijan and playing a crucial role in Max Verstappen’s championship-winning campaign. His tenure at Red Bull was marked by successes and challenges, culminating in a mutual decision to part ways at the end of 2024.

Rebirth with Cadillac After a year out, Perez returned to F1 with Cadillac in 2026, a new team backed by General Motors. This fresh start has seen Perez bringing his wealth of experience to help the team establish itself in the sport. As Perez reaches his 300th race, he reflects on his career with gratitude, acknowledging the support of teams, sponsors, and fans.

As Perez prepares to celebrate this milestone at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, he remains focused on helping Cadillac rise through the ranks, determined to end his career on a high note.