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A year after his dramatic crash at the Mexican Grand Prix, Sergio Pérez is set for a chance at redemption this Sunday. Reflecting on the last twelve months, little has changed in his position. The Mexican driver, who partners with Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing, continues to face scrutiny. In recent months, discussions surrounding Pérez have predominantly revolved around incidents on the track, disappointment, and apologies.
Sergio Pérez’s Passion for Football
Apart from his career in Formula 1, Sergio Pérez (34) is also known for his deep love for football. As a child, he aspired to be a professional football player. His heroes were not race car drivers but football icons like Cristiano Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, Lionel Messi, and the Chilean striker Iván Zamorano.
At the age of eight, he discovered karting when his father gifted him a kart for his birthday. However, he spent most of his childhood on the football field, even playing for a youth team of Club América in Mexico City, the team he still passionately supports. There’s a well-known story about Pérez missing an important kart race simply to watch a crucial Club América match.
Pérez ultimately chose the path of motorsport at fourteen when he got the chance to race in Europe under the German Formula BMW ADAC series. He continues to follow football closely, supporting Real Madrid and Club América, attending matches whenever his schedule allows. Previously, he has met his football idol, Cristiano Ronaldo, multiple times.
“I have been a Club América fan since childhood. This club has brought me many emotions, both good and bad. It is always ambitious and fights for the title,” says Pérez proudly.
Sergio Pérez’s Philanthropic Efforts
Like many elite athletes, Pérez established his charitable organization, the Sergio Pérez Foundation, back in 2013. This foundation supports various initiatives focused on education, health, sports, and culture, aiming to enhance the welfare and development of children in Mexico.
One prominent project of his foundation includes constructing a children’s hospital in his hometown, Guadalajara, specializing in cancer treatment. Pérez has personally donated substantial amounts to this initiative and has mobilized numerous sponsors and donors. His foundation claims to have positively impacted over 3,000 children.
The foundation also engages in broader initiatives, such as furnishing playrooms in orphanages and providing essential medical treatments and school supplies to needy children.
Pérez believes it is essential to give back to Mexican society. “I take great pride in witnessing our foundation grow and in helping more people. It’s crucial to be aware of the realities in your country and contribute to a brighter future,” he remarks.
Sergio Pérez and Political Views
Sergio Pérez does not shy away from expressing his opinions on political matters he cares about. In the past, he has op.comy criticized the Mexican government for not doing enough to combat poverty, corruption, and violence. Conversely, he has endorsed Andrés Manuel López Obrador, the current president of Mexico, who was elected in 2018 with a leftist-populist agenda. “He genuinely cares about Mexico and is willing to take risks to bring about change,” Pérez affirms.
Furthermore, Pérez has been op.comy critical of Donald Trump, especially when the former U.S. president made disparaging remarks about Mexico and its people. Reflecting on the controversy, Pérez stated, “I am Mexican, and I am proud of it.”
In response to a distasteful tweet by a sunglasses brand related to Trump’s comments, Pérez promptly ended his sponsorship agreement with them, stating he did not wish to associate with individuals who regard his country disrespectfully.
Sergio Pérez’s Unique Experiences
In 2017, during an interview, Pérez revealed he suffers from trypophobia, an intense fear of irregular holes. This condition evokes various unpleasant responses in those affected, including nausea and anxiety.
Though his team, Red Bull, often jokes about this phobia, implying it might not extend to racing tires or buttons on his steering wheel, Pérez has been relatively private about it.
Looking back at his time, Pérez also recounted his experience racing with McLaren in 2013. Initially viewed as a potential standout after a solid season with Sauber, he faced challenges throughout the year due to a subpar car and internal politics, ultimately leading to his departure from the team.
“It was a surprising end for me. The results were not as expected, but I learned a lot that year,” he states. Reflecting on the politics within the team, he acknowledges it was a part of the reality in F1 that he had to navigate.
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