The Path to Formula 1: Checo Pérez Reveals the Recipe for Mexico's Next Champion

During a press conference in October 2024, Red Bull Racing driver Checo Pérez offered a unique perspective on how Mexican talents can reach the top of global motorsport. His words resonated as a call to action for the next generation of racers aspiring to compete in the highest category of motorsport. Alongside his teammate Max Verstappen at the Austrian team, the Jalisco native shared experiences accumulated throughout his career in one of the most demanding competitions on the planet.

Leaving Europe at a young age: the only real path for Latin American aspirants

Checo Pérez was clear in his advice to future Mexican drivers. According to his view, there is no viable alternative to reaching Formula 1 without making the sacrifice of moving to Europe at a young age. “The next generation must go to Europe early; there is no other way,” emphasized Verstappen’s teammate during his speech. This stance comes from his own experience, having left behind his adolescence and his country to pursue the dream of competing at the highest level.

The Red Bull driver explained that this geographic move is not exclusive to Mexicans but a reality shared by all Latin American hopefuls. “We have to go and leave many things behind—you leave your adolescence behind, you go completely alone,” he expressed, acknowledging that although all European drivers face similar challenges, the distance and separation from family make the challenge even greater for those from the Americas.

The psychological challenges faced by Latin drivers on the international stage

Beyond technical and competitive difficulties, Checo Pérez highlighted that the real obstacle lies in emotional and psychological aspects. “For Latinos, it’s much more challenging—that’s the hardest part. You’re far from home, from your country for so many years,” he said during the same talk. The isolation isn’t temporary; drivers face years of loneliness in hotels on the other side of the world, even after reaching Formula 1.

This psychological factor truly differentiates the career path of a Latin American aspirant from their European peers. While a driver from Germany or Italy can return home relatively easily, Latin American competitors remain away from emotional support from their close circle for decades. “It’s not just about reaching Formula 1; it’s also the following years—you’re alone in a hotel on the other side of the world, and that makes it a bigger challenge,” Pérez reflected.

Who will be the next Checo Pérez? Promising names in motorsport

When asked about potential Mexican successors, Checo Pérez didn’t hesitate to mention several promising names. “There’s Noel León, Santiago Ramos in F3, Pato O’Ward in IndyCar,” listed the Red Bull driver, recognizing that the future of Mexican representation in the top tiers of motorsport depends on these racers.

Regarding Pato O’Ward, who competes in the American IndyCar series, Checo was particularly thoughtful. “He’s doing very well, keeps pushing, in Formula 1 it’s as close as it is far; he’s doing very well,” he commented on the Mexican driver’s performance. However, he warned that evolution depends on continuous improvement. “Every time he gets a chance to get in a car, he should try to correct past weaknesses so the team sees progress and it opens a new opportunity,” Pérez advised, sharing a team with Verstappen.

The legacy he wants to leave in Mexican motorsport

Although rumors circulated about a possible retirement, Checo Pérez confirmed his continuation in Formula 1 for 2025. However, when reflecting on how he would like to be remembered, the Red Bull driver offered an answer that goes beyond trophies and wins.

“I’d like to be remembered as a normal person who reached the top,” he said sincerely. For Pérez, true inspiration isn’t found in individual achievements but in conveying a message of hope to Mexico. “To be an inspiration for Mexicans—that’s achievable. To make the new generations believe it’s possible and to be proud of Mexico,” he clarified, sharing the same team as Verstappen at Red Bull.

This vision contrasts with a reality he observes in Europe: “Over there, in Europe, they put labels,” Pérez acknowledged, referring to how European drivers are often labeled based on their origin or performance. For him, breaking that barrier and projecting an image of Mexico in Formula 1 is the true legacy he seeks to establish.

Franco Colapinto: a reflection of a generation of Latin American drivers

The conversation with Checo Pérez also addressed the performance of Franco Colapinto, the Argentine Williams driver who debuted in the 2024 season. Colapinto entered Formula 1 replacing Logan Sargeant, with his first official race at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, where he finished 12th after starting from 18th.

Although still early in his career, Colapinto has already scored his first points in the world standings. As a Latin American himself, Checo Pérez expressed a special connection with the young driver. “I have a lot of connection with him because he’s a Latin driver. Franco is doing very well; we’ve gone through similar things—he’s given up a lot,” Pérez said empathetically about Colapinto’s journey.

This solidarity among Latin American drivers in Formula 1 reflects the importance Checo places on representation and mutual support in a global scene historically dominated by Europe and its competitors. For Pérez, seeing other regional drivers succeed isn’t just a sporting matter but a validation that sacrifice and determination can break down geographical and cultural barriers in one of the most competitive stages of global sport.