The Road to Formula 1: Checo Pérez Warns the Next Mexican Generation That Verstappen Set the Example

Red Bull Racing’s driver shared his experiences in elite motorsport and offered crucial advice for aspiring Mexicans dreaming of reaching Formula 1. Checo Pérez, who has built his career alongside Max Verstappen within the Austrian team, revealed the uncomfortable truths faced by Latin American competitors in their pursuit of standing out in the ‘big circus.’

During a press conference at Plaza Carso ahead of the 2024 Mexican Grand Prix, the Jalisco native did not shy away from the most challenging topic for Latin American drivers. His message was direct: success in Formula 1 requires sacrifices beyond pure talent behind the wheel. The reality Checo Pérez exposes about the road to F1 contrasts significantly with the trajectories of European drivers, who have advantages of proximity and development in their home countries.

Leaving home: the lesson Checo Pérez and Verstappen share with Latin American drivers

Checo Pérez clearly stated that “the next generation must go to Europe at a young age, there is no other way.” This statement summarizes years of personal experience accumulated in a career that led him to compete alongside Max Verstappen, who also faced his own international transition. Leaving the familiar environment during adolescence is presented as an unavoidable requirement for those aiming for Formula 1 from Latin American territories.

The emotional reality of this process is as important as the sporting technique. According to the Red Bull Racing driver, “you leave your adolescence behind, you go completely alone, it’s not that Europeans have less merit, we all go through many things outside of F1.” This reflection emphasizes that the path is not exclusive to Mexicans or Latinos but is a characteristic challenge of elite motorsport.

The factor of distance and loneliness emerges as the true antagonist in this narrative. Checo Pérez elaborated on this point: “For Latinos, it’s much more challenging, that’s the hardest part—you’re far from home, from your country for so many years.” It’s not just about reaching Formula 1 but staying competitive for years as a foreigner in an entirely unfamiliar environment, staying in distant hotels without the emotional support of family.

Franco Colapinto: the new testimony of the challenge faced by every Latin American driver

Franco Colapinto has emerged as a contemporary representative of the path Checo Pérez describes. The Argentine driver debuted in the 2024 season specifically at the Italian GP, where he finished 12th after starting from 18th in a race won by Charles Leclerc at Monza. Colapinto joined Williams replacing Logan Sargeant and has scored his first points on the F1 grid.

Regarding Colapinto, Checo Pérez expressed a special connection: “I have a lot of connection with him because he’s a Latin driver, Franco is doing very well, we’ve gone through almost the same thing, he gave up many things.” This validation from an experienced colleague is more than a simple observation; it’s a recognition of the parallels in Latin American careers. The similarity in sacrifices made creates a unique professional empathy between the two drivers.

Regarding Colapinto’s future performance, Checo Pérez adopted an encouraging tone: “He’s doing very well, he keeps pushing, in Formula 1 you’re as close as you are far.” His analysis indicates that the Argentine needs to correct previous weaknesses to demonstrate consistent progress, which could open new competitive opportunities.

Potential candidates to be the next Checo Pérez

The Red Bull Racing driver mentioned several names as potential successors to his Mexican legacy in F1. “There’s Noel León, Santiago Ramos in F3, Pato O’Ward in IndyCar, but it depends on them, on taking opportunities in the future,” Checo Pérez noted. This mention does not necessarily mean all will reach Formula 1 but recognizes their talent and competitive potential in their respective categories.

Pato O’Ward, competing in IndyCar, received special mention for his ongoing efforts. Checo Pérez’s advice to him was specific: “Every time he has the chance to get in a car, he should try to correct past weaknesses so the team sees progress, and that could open a new opportunity.” This approach shows that the route to Formula 1 is not linear but requires consistent demonstrations of improvement.

Checo Pérez’s legacy: inspiration for the next Mexican generation

When asked how he would like to be remembered after his eventual retirement, Checo Pérez dismissed circulating rumors and confirmed his participation in F1 through 2025. However, he reflected on his legacy: “I’d like to be remembered as a normal person who reached the top, as an inspiration for Mexicans—you can achieve it if you set your mind to it.”

This humble perspective contrasts with his position at Red Bull Racing, competing alongside Max Verstappen. Checo Pérez emphasized that although there are labels and prejudices about Latin American drivers in Europe, these do not define real possibilities. “The only legacy is to make the new generations believe it’s possible and to be proud of Mexico,” he concluded.

His final message summarizes the philosophy he shared during the press event: it’s not about denying the inherent difficulties of being a Latin American driver in Formula 1 but about turning them into motivation. Checo Pérez represents a bridge between aspiration and reality, demonstrating that early sacrifice and sustained commitment can lead a Mexican to compete in the highest category of global motorsport.