Sergio Perez Reflects on His 300th Grand Prix Ahead of His Home Race

Speaking to the media in Austin, including FanAmp, Perez explained that he wasn’t sure when his 300th race would take place following the cancellation of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and relocation of the Bahrain Grand Prix to Malaysia.

“I didn't pay too much attention because obviously with a lot of uncertainty, you never know if they add one more race or they take one more race. And so I was like, I don't have much hope, but once that was getting closer, to me it was really [crazy] how much has to happen that you make your 300th race at your home.”

After this weekend, Perez will pass Sebastian Vettel for the seventh-most Grand Prix starts in F1 history. He pointed out that this milestone marks not only a huge achievement for himself, but for motorsport in Mexico as well.

“It's incredible, and to have all the people that have been with me since day one supporting me, all my sponsors, all my family, all my fans. For Mexico [it] has been a huge thing, to get a Formula One driver. We don't have much history in the sport, so to have a Mexican driver, to have a Mexican Grand Prix, it's a pretty big deal for us.

Beyond the significance of this milestone, Perez knows that this race poses a challenge to the entire grid. Mexico City is over 2,000 meters above sea level, leading to lower air pressure and oxygen density compared to other circuits.

When asked what makes Mexico so challenging, Perez elaborated on the most difficult aspects of driving in thinner air.

“The altitude plays a massive part. It puts a lot of stress on the tires, on the brakes, on the engine. I think minimizing the slides, it's really key to getting a good lap, getting a good rhythm over there.”

Perez is looking to improve after finishing 19th in Austin, last of the drivers that finished the race. Cadillac has yet to score its first points in Formula 1, and Perez emphasized how the cost cap makes it harder for back marker teams to develop a competitive car.

“Everything in Formula One takes too much time, unfortunately. You know, you are very limited with things that you can change quickly with the budget cap and with the people you can get in place and so on, so that hasn't been an easy thing for the team.

“The thing is that now we are overdelivering a lot as a team, but the car is just too far away.

Despite Cadillac’s struggles, Perez isn’t concerned about how fans will perceive his performance, even if the results don’t reflect his effort.

“At the end of the day my team understands it. People who really follow well the sport understand it and more than anyone, myself, you know, like I go home happy when I know that I've done a good weekend. Regardless of the results for me, that's less important.”

Regardless of where he finishes, this will be a special weekend in Checo’s 15-year Formula 1 career because it will come in front of his home fans.

When asked what makes this race such a favorite among the drivers, Perez pointed to the incredible racing atmosphere created by the fans. “The fans, they bring a lot of energy, but at the same time they're super respectful. They're super nice to all the drivers, to all the teams.

“You can see that there's a lot of passion in Mexico for the sport and that's helped the Grand Prix a lot.”