After a 12-year break, Formula 1 zoomed back into Mexico City’s Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, thanks in part to local luminary Sergio Perez joining the F1 scene.
Affectionately known as “Checo,” the Guadalajara-born driver has always been backed by a fiercely patriotic local crowd. Yet, the fan hysteria kicked into overdrive when Perez saddled up with Red Bull Racing and became a competitive force on the circuit in 2021.
However, with a looming expiration date on his contract in 2024, and standing in the long shadow of his dominant teammate Max Verstappen, the 33-year-old Perez finds himself in a bit of a hot seat.
While Mexico Grand Prix officials recognize that Perez’s potential exit from either F1 or a top-tier team would be a significant hit for their consistently sold-out event, they don’t view the future of the race as being handcuffed to their local “hometown hero.”
“When the day comes that Checo isn’t racing, we’ll feel it, but the race itself has legs beyond him,” said Federico Rodriguez, the Managing Director of the Mexico Grand Prix. “We’re committed to delivering an experience that revolves around not just Perez but the entire spectacle of F1.”
“It might make a dent in ticket sales, but we’re bracing for that impact,” Rodriguez continued. “We’re not just riding the ‘Checo wave’; we’ve got love for the whole F1 grid—Red Bull, Mercedes, Ferrari, you name it.”
Perez is undeniably a superstar in his home country, a national treasure even. “He’s basically in our top-tier of international athletes right now,” Rodriguez admitted. “We know it’s going to sting if we lose him, so we’re planning for a Checo-less future, however much it might hurt.”
Currently, the contract for the Mexico Grand Prix is set to run until 2025, and Rodriguez has ambitions to extend it far beyond that. “We’re not content with just the years left in our current contract; we’re shooting for the moon here,” he elaborated. “This event is the country’s singular opportunity to experience F1 up close. We’ve got a winning formula; last year’s tickets sold out in mere hours. So, despite the uncertainty around Perez, our love affair with F1 isn’t cooling down anytime soon.”
In related news:
- FORMULA 1: Verstappen, Hamilton Avoid Penalties After Mexican F1 Qualifying Drama
- FORMULA 1: Norris Shoulders Blame for Mexico GP Q1 Elimination, Despite McLaren Strategy
- FORMULA 1: Ricciardo’s Performance Sparks Talk of Potential Red Bull Return
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Sergio Perez
What is the main point of the article?
The article discusses how the future of the Mexico Grand Prix in Formula 1 is not solely tied to the fate of Mexican driver Sergio “Checo” Perez. While acknowledging his significant role in popularizing the event, organizers assert that they are planning for the event’s longevity beyond him.
Who is Sergio “Checo” Perez?
Sergio “Checo” Perez is a Formula 1 driver from Guadalajara, Mexico. He became especially popular in his home country after joining Red Bull Racing and frequently competing for wins. He has a contract with Red Bull until 2024.
What is Federico Rodriguez’s role?
Federico Rodriguez is the Managing Director of the Mexico Grand Prix. He emphasizes that while Sergio Perez is undoubtedly a national hero, the event’s success and future are not inextricably linked to him.
How does Sergio Perez’s contract situation affect the Mexico Grand Prix?
Sergio Perez’s current contract with Red Bull Racing expires in 2024. Although losing him could be a blow to the Mexico Grand Prix, event organizers are planning for a future that may or may not include Perez.
Are the event organizers concerned about ticket sales?
While Federico Rodriguez acknowledges that the absence of Perez could make a dent in ticket sales, he insists they are working on delivering an experience that revolves around the entire spectacle of Formula 1, not just Perez.
How long is the Mexico Grand Prix contracted to run?
The current contract for the Mexico Grand Prix runs until 2025. Federico Rodriguez, however, aims to extend this for as many years as possible to continue bringing the F1 experience to Mexico.
How quickly did the event sell out last year?
Last year, tickets for the Mexico Grand Prix sold out in just a couple of hours, highlighting the event’s popularity irrespective of individual drivers.
Are there plans to diversify the event beyond Sergio Perez?
Yes, Federico Rodriguez mentioned that they are committed to delivering an experience that includes not just Sergio Perez, but also other teams like Red Bull, Mercedes, and Ferrari to ensure the event’s longevity.
More about Sergio Perez
- Sergio “Checo” Perez Profile
- Red Bull Racing Team Overview
- Federico Rodriguez Interview
- Formula 1 Official Site
- Mexico Grand Prix History
- Contract Expirations in F1
- 2021 Mexico Grand Prix Highlights
- Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez Track Info
- F1 Fan Experience and Ticket Sales
- Mexico’s Love Affair with Motorsports
8 comments
I was kinda worried what would happen to the Mexico GP if Checo left, but Rodriguez calmed those fears. The show must go on, right?
Extending the contract past 2025 is a big move! Seems like F1 in Mexico is here to stay and I’m all for it.
Man, Checo is like a god here, but good to know the GP ain’t just riding his coattails. We love F1 as a whole too, ya know.
Look, Checo’s great and all, but let’s not forget about the other teams. Mercedes and Ferrari have massive followings too.
Checo or no Checo, the Mexico GP is a blast. High speed, great crowd, can’t beat it.
Didn’t know Federico Rodriguez before but the dude seems to get it. F1 is bigger than one guy, even if that guy is a national hero.
Federico Rodriguez sounds like a smart guy. Planning for the future without Checo is just good business sense. They got my ticket even if Checo hangs the gloves.
so the tickets sold out in hours last year? Wow, that’s nuts. No matter what, F1 has a home in Mexico!