Sergio Perez will start his 300th Formula 1 race at the Mexico City Grand Prix, marking the milestone at home. It will be his 10th appearance at the event and his first there as a Cadillac driver. Although the team has struggled to produce results, Perez can expect a strong reception from supporters at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez.

The Foro Sol section of the circuit has often made that support impossible to miss. Perez has described hearing the crowd from his cockpit. In 2021, he became the first Mexican driver to reach the podium at his home Grand Prix, finishing third with Red Bull as fans chanted his name. He took third again in 2022, while his 2023 race ended on the first lap after a collision with Charles Leclerc.

Perez’s route to Formula 1 began in Guadalajara, where he raced karts as a child. At 14, he moved to Germany to compete in Formula BMW, leaving home to pursue a career in racing. He made his F1 debut with Sauber in 2011, becoming the first Mexican on the grid in more than 30 years. His career later included McLaren, Force India, Racing Point and Red Bull; his first Grand Prix victory came at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix.

Five further wins followed with Red Bull, making Perez the most successful Mexican driver in Formula 1 history. He also helped the team win consecutive Constructors’ Championships alongside Max Verstappen. After a year away, he joined Cadillac on a contract running at least until the end of 2029.

His profile in Mexico reaches well beyond the circuit. Murals celebrating Perez can be found in places including Mexico City and Nuevo León. Artists have portrayed him near the Autodromo and in the capital’s Roma Norte neighbourhood, where one mural carries the message “Checo races with Mexico.” His success has also helped draw Mexican fans to Formula 1 and inspire interest in motorsport.

A home podium may be difficult to achieve with Cadillac, but Perez’s standing with Mexican fans is not dependent on his finishing position. His 300th race is another milestone in a career that has made him one of the country’s most prominent motorsport figures.

Sources: Formula 1.