After 14 years in Formula 1, Sergio Perez’s journey seems to have reached its final lap. Six Grand Prix victories and a runner-up finish in the 2023 drivers’ championship are achievements many drivers would envy, yet his legacy remains a polarizing topic. Perez’s career has been a tapestry of triumphs, struggles, and the inevitable comparison to the brilliance of his teammate, Max Verstappen.
A Career Defined by Resilience and Grit
Perez’s story is one of persistence. It took him a decade in the sport to claim his maiden victory, a stunning drive at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix in the infamous “pink Mercedes” for Racing Point. That win epitomized his ability to thrive under adversity, having spent the majority of his career as a reliable “points collector” for mid-field teams like Force India. Perez became the bedrock of their success, driving them to punch well above their financial weight with back-to-back fourth-place finishes in the Constructors’ Championship in 2016 and 2017.
Entering F1 in 2011 as part of the Ferrari Driver Academy, Perez’s raw talent shone through early, particularly with Sauber in 2012. That season saw him deliver spectacular podium finishes in Malaysia, Montreal, and Monza, showcasing a knack for tire management and a tenacity in wheel-to-wheel combat that would become his trademarks.
The McLaren Setback and Midfield Mastery
Perez’s move to McLaren in 2013 was meant to propel him into the upper echelon of drivers, replacing Lewis Hamilton. However, a lackluster car and his struggle to match Jenson Button’s consistency ended the dream prematurely. The experience reshaped his career trajectory, solidifying his reputation as a solid midfield performer rather than a title contender.
Rebounding with Force India, Perez proved his mettle by outperforming teammates Nico Hulkenberg and Esteban Ocon over his seven-year tenure. He earned his stripes with opportunistic podiums and a calculated driving style that extracted maximum value from limited resources. His street circuit mastery, particularly in Baku, became a hallmark.
The Red Bull Years: From Savior to Scapegoat
Perez’s 2021 move to Red Bull offered a second shot at glory. Tasked with supporting Verstappen in his title bid, Perez excelled early, delivering crucial performances like his victory in Baku and his heroic defense against Lewis Hamilton in Abu Dhabi. These efforts earned him plaudits and extended his stay.
However, the Verstappen juggernaut proved an insurmountable benchmark. By 2022, the car’s development tilted heavily toward Verstappen’s aggressive style, leaving Perez trailing. His stunning Singapore win that year reminded fans of his potential, but such highs were fleeting.
2023: The Beginning of the End
Perez’s 2023 campaign mirrored the previous year—a promising start with victories in Jeddah and Baku gave way to a collapse in form as Verstappen’s dominance grew. A string of poor qualifying performances, often failing to reach Q3, became emblematic of his struggles. The emergence of competitive cars from Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren compounded Red Bull’s issues, exposing Perez’s shortcomings in a high-pressure, multi-team battle.
By 2024, his underwhelming performances contributed significantly to Red Bull’s fall to third in the Constructors’ Championship. His inability to close the gap to Verstappen forced the team’s hand, and Perez’s tenure at the top came to a close.
A Legacy in Question
Sergio Perez leaves a legacy as a six-time Grand Prix winner, a trailblazer for Mexican motorsport, and a driver who thrived in moments of chaos. On street circuits, he was nearly peerless; on his best days, he could match anyone on the grid. Yet, his career underscores the razor-thin margins at the top of F1. While he lacked the sheer pace and adaptability to challenge Verstappen consistently, Perez’s story is one of perseverance and adaptability.
If all races were held in Baku, Perez might have been a legend. In the broader narrative of F1, he’ll be remembered as a driver who, while never a megastar, brought his own brand of brilliance to the sport.
