Sergio ‘Checo’ Pérez Is Coming Home for His 300th Start, and I Still Want More From Him.

Sergio ‘Checo’ Pérez is about to make his 300th Grand Prix start in Mexico, in front of his home crowd. I was already looking forward to this race, but knowing that makes me want him to have a good weekend even more.

I loved Red Bull with Max and Checo together. That doesn’t mean I enjoyed every race, because supporting Checo sometimes involved spending Saturday wondering why he was starting so far back, then spending Sunday hoping he could fix it. Checo, I liked you, but you did make things difficult for me sometimes.

Still, the disappointing weekends aren’t the only ones I remember.

Whenever I think about his time at Red Bull, I come back to that battle with Lewis in Abu Dhabi in 2021. Lewis was trying to get past, Checo kept fighting back, and Max was closing the gap behind them. You already know I like Max, so yes, that defence will always have a special place in my heart.

And no, we are not arguing about the end of that race today. I said Checo’s defence. Please stay with me.

But there was plenty to appreciate before he became Max’s teammate too. His first win at Sakhir in 2020 is a good reminder of that. He was last after the opening-lap collision and still worked his way back into the race, eventually taking the win when Mercedes’ evening fell apart.

As someone who likes George as well, that race gives me slightly mixed feelings. Happy for Checo, gutted for George. Apparently, even my favourite drivers cannot coordinate one peaceful Sunday for me.

That victory came on Checo’s 190th start. Now he is approaching 300, with six wins and 39 podiums behind him, becoming only the seventh driver to reach the milestone.

And getting to do it at home, after spending 2025 away from the grid? Aaaah, that is lovely. I’m glad he gets this moment while he is still racing, with something ahead of him to look forward to.

“Mexico is always a very special race for me. There’s nothing quite like coming home, feeling the support of the fans and being surrounded by my people. I missed that feeling a lot last year, so I’m really looking forward to being back in Mexico City and sharing this moment with everyone. To celebrate my 300th Grand Prix at my home race makes it even more meaningful, and I’m excited to enjoy every moment of this weekend with my family, friends and all the fans who have supported me throughout my career.” – Checo Pérez.

Which brings me to Cadillac.

I am happy he is back, but I don’t want the excitement to stop at seeing his name on the timing screen again. I want to see him fighting for something. A place in Q2 atleast, a proper battle for points, a Sunday where I’m watching his race instead of scrolling down to find him.

Cadillac have extended his contract until at least 2029, so there is time to build. Personally, I would love to see them become a competitive midfield team in 2027, with Checo helping them get there.

I know that is asking for a decent step forward when they haven’t scored a point yet this season. It is my hope, not a prediction. Before someone returns to this blog next year with screenshots, let me make that clear now.

His experience should help, especially when it comes to managing tyres and understanding what the car needs. But Cadillac have to give him the pace to work with too. You can look after a set of tyres beautifully and still spend the afternoon behind everyone.

That is why I’m interested in this chapter. I want to find out how much more Checo can give when the car improves. His Red Bull ending was difficult, but I would rather see what comes next than keep judging him on the same bad season forever.

For now, though, I’m looking forward to seeing him race in Mexico again. I hope he gets a clean start, a competitive afternoon and a result that gives the home crowd another reason to celebrate.

Come on, Cadillac. A few points for his 300th would be lovely. I’m already asking for midfield in 2027, so give me something before I start getting unreasonable and asking for a podium.
aKi Malik