Sergio Perez will no longer race for Red Bull. The team dismissed the Mexican after a dismal 2024 campaign which cost Red Bull the constructors championship. Perez failed to win any races this season and scored 49 points in his final 18 races for the team.
However, Serio Perez has had many great moments in F1. Checo leaves the sport with six wins and 39 podiums. The 34-year-old made his F1 debut in 2011 and has impressed with many performances. We take a look at his top 5.
Sakhir 2020
Sergio Perez’s best race was the Sakhir Grand Prix. In a Covid-hit season, this was the second consecutive race in Bahrain. However, they used the outer circuit for this race. Starting in fifth place, the Mexican was sent to the back of the grid after getting tangled up in an incident between Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen.
🙌 𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗢𝗢𝗢𝗢𝗢𝗢𝗢𝗢𝗢 🙌
Sergio Perez takes his maiden Formula 1 win with an incredible recovery drive! WOW!#SakhirGP 🇧🇭 #F1 pic.twitter.com/o9tGmzNiLq
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 6, 2020
However, Perez put on an overtaking masterclass as he climbed through the field in his Racing Point. After reaching the points positions, Checo took advantage of a safety car and pit-stop mayhem at Mercedes to claim his maiden victory.
Malaysia 2012
After a good debut season, Perez announced his arrival in 2012 as he took on Fernando Alonso in changeable conditions. As the heavy rain hit, Perez opted to pit for the extreme wet tyres. This decision catapulted the then-Sauber driver up the field. After the race was suspended due to the heavy rain, the race was on between Alonso and Perez.
Alonso initially looked to have the upper hand as he passed Perez early on. As the track was drying up, Perez looked to have the pace on the Ferrari, setting the fastest lap every tour. When the drivers boxed to dry tyres, Perez looked like he could overtake Alonso for the win, but a small mistake at the penultimate corner put pay to the chance.
Italy 2012
Another race in 2012 showed what Perez could do. This race was one of the reasons the Mexican was nicknamed the tyre whisperer. Starting in P12, Perez began on the hards and went long into the race. He was the last to box for fresh rubber.
After switching to the medium tyres, Perez was lightning-quick and was able to pick off many cars including both Ferraris. Perez found himself sitting second and was closing in on race leader Lewis Hamilton. Unfortunately, Perez ran out of laps but showed top-team credentials, earning himself a move to McLaren the following season.
Singapore 2022
This race was a rare occasion when Sergio Perez out-raced his teammate, four-time world champion Max Verstappen. Checo started in P2 but in wet conditions, jumped Charles Leclerc into the lead. From then on, he controlled the race to perfection.
Sergio Perez WINS the Singapore Grand Prix and just listen to what it means to him! 💪pic.twitter.com/RsAWtLCJDc
— Sky Sports (@SkySports) October 2, 2022
While most of the drivers including Verstappen were making mistakes, Perez eased away from Leclerc. However, this race was far from straightforward. There were multiple safety cars and low grip when the drivers opted for the dry tyres. This race was perfection for Perez, and possibly one of his greatest for Red Bull.
Bahrain 2021
This race saw Sergio Perez make his debut for Red Bull. Starting P11, his car switched off on the formation lap. The Mexican restarted the car but had to start from the pitlane. After an early safety car, he boxed again for fresh rubber and pulled off another overtaking masterclass.
After boxing early for the hard tyres, Perez made his way through the field once more. He boxed for a final time, moving back onto the medium tyres. He ended up finishing fifth but this was a great recovery drive.
