MEXICO CITY — Sergio Perez took his position on the grid for the Mexico City Grand Prix amid a thunderous chorus of “Checo! Checo! Checo!” from approximately 155,000 enthusiastic fans. This highly anticipated race held special significance for Perez, who has previously declared it his favorite event of the season. However, he was acutely aware of the pressure on him due to a slump in performance that has put his future at risk.
Unfortunately, Perez’s aspirations crumbled as he finished the race in 17th place, disappointing both his fans and Red Bull Racing. Team principal Christian Horner expressed uncertainty about Perez’s continuation with the team for the last four races of the season. Although he reiterated that Perez’s contract, signed earlier this year, extends through 2025, he emphasized the presence of performance clauses and did not commit to Perez’s position for the end of the season. “At some point, tough decisions must be made,” Horner noted as Red Bull’s position in the constructors’ championship slipped to third place.
On the weekend, Perez faced a challenging race that began with him being eliminated in the initial round of Saturday qualifying, which placed him 18th on the starting grid. A five-second penalty followed after he failed to be in his box on the starting grid. His race continued to deteriorate as he engaged in a wheel-to-wheel clash with Liam Lawson from the sister team, resulting in damage that rendered Perez’s car uncompetitive.
In a turn of events, Carlos Sainz’s victory lifted Ferrari over Red Bull in the lucrative constructors’ championship standings, a title that Red Bull, a two-time defending champion, now faces an uphill battle to reclaim this year. Perez’s struggles have significantly impacted the team, as he sits eighth in the individual standings with no wins this season, alongside crashes in three races.
Horner acknowledged the scrutiny surrounding Perez’s performance, stating, “Formula 1 is all about results, and when the results aren’t there, the focus on the driver intensifies.” With Max Verstappen securing 362 points this season and Perez only accumulating 150, the discrepancy is stark. “We’re doing everything possible to support him,” Horner affirmed. “Yet there is only so much we can do.”
While Perez expressed disappointment over the outcomes of the race, he remained resolute about his aspirations. “This was a tough weekend for me, but it’s my dream to win the Grand Prix in Mexico. I’ll strive again next year,” he shared. Recognizing the unwavering support from fans, he added, “Their presence means everything to me. We’ll come back stronger next year.”
The uncertainty surrounding Perez may pose challenges for the Mexico City Grand Prix, which is looking to renew its current contract next year. This past weekend, the race set a remarkable record with 404,958 attendees, achieving sellout status for the ninth consecutive year. Many of these fans come specifically to cheer for Perez, and attendance may wane if he or another Mexican driver isn’t competing in Formula 1. Alejandro Soberón, the event president, revealed that tickets for this year’s event were sold out in just two hours after going on sale, just months after Perez’s early exit from last year’s race.
Tickets for the 2025 race will be available in two weeks, though it remains uncertain how Perez’s potential future in F1 will affect sales, despite Horner’s confidence in his contract for 2025. Soberón expressed faith in the race’s continued success, noting, “Very few events feature a local driver that draws such a crowd. When we first hosted the race, 50% of attendees wore red, showing Ferrari’s strong fanbase in Mexico.”
Soberón also mentioned the inherent uniqueness of the Mexico City Grand Prix, which incorporates rich local culture into the event’s atmosphere and enhances its appeal to Formula 1 fans worldwide. The event significantly boosts the local economy, filling hotels, restaurants, and transportation services throughout the week.
“The enthusiasm for F1 in Mexico is robust. Checo has certainly amplified that excitement,” he stated. “Nevertheless, Mexico has always held a significant place in F1’s heart. The quality of competition on the track has improved dramatically over the last five years, which will likely sustain fan interest. As race promoters, we’re excited and optimistic about extending our contract with F1, regardless of Checo’s situation.”