Even though he the door open to a potential return to Formula 1, saying that "the best is yet to come" after his sudden exit from Red Bull, Sergio "Checo" Pérez's time in auto racing's top competition might have come to an end, at least according to his father.
On Dec. 18, "Checo" posted a letter on his social media accounts in which he confirmed his exit from Red Bull after four seasons despite signing a new deal earlier this year to race for the team until the end of 2026.
Thank you for these four years @redbullracing
— Sergio Pérez (@SChecoPerez) December 18, 2024
I wish you the best. pic.twitter.com/9vLUwvqBDl
"Driving for Red Bull has been an unforgettable experience and I'll always cherish the successes we achieved together," read a passage of the statement. "We broke records, reached remarkable milestones, and I've had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people along the way," Pérez added.
A promising start to the 2024 campaign ended up in a disappointing season for "Checo," who finished eight in the drivers' championship with Red Bull failing to defend their constructors' championship finishing behind McLaren and Ferrari.
Although Pérez's message ended in a hopeful note saying "we will meet again soon," his father, Antonio Pérez Garibay, believes the time has come for "Checo" to put an end to his F1 career and enjoy other things in his life, such as his family.
In an interview with El Universal, Pérez Garibay said that, as of today, "Checo's" exit from Formula 1 is a "total retirement."
"There is no Plan B nor Plan C. This was the plan and as of this moment the Formula 1 page is closed, just like it did before Red Bull called," he said.
It is not the first time Pérez Garibay talks about "Checo's" future. Earlier this year, Pérez's father told media outlets at the Mexican Grand Prix that his son was going to retire with Red Bull.
And although "Checo" was disappointed of parting ways with Red Bull, his father believes that this is an opportunity for his son to enjoy the things he had to put in the rearview mirror while being one of Formula 1's best drivers.
"I think we will see the best father figure in history," Pérez Garibay said. "He has to focus on his family now...it was a lot of years of making sacrifices and it had to end some day, and that day is today," he added.
Pérez Garibay confirmed that "Checo" is back in Mexico and remains unbothered about his future. He said that "Checo" attended the Liga MX final between Club América and Monterrey and celebrated América's third consecutive league title.
When asked what he wishes for his son in this next chapter of his life, Pérez Garibay said he hopes his son continues his charity work with the Checo Pérez Foundation.
He finished the interview sending a message to all "Checo" fans that supported him throughout his 13-year career in Formula 1 by saying "we are thankful for all those Mexican fans that supported us for so many years, because Mexican fans are the best in the world."
"Checo's" Formula 1 legacy
Since starting his Formula 1 career in 2011, Pérez entered in 282 races, good enough to rank eight all-time. Among Latin American drivers, only Brazilian Rubens Barrichello (326) entered more races than "Checo."
He also holds the title of being the most successful F1 driver in the history of Mexico.
In four seasons racing for Red Bull, the Mexican driver surely left a mark. After finishing fourth and third in his first two seasons, Checo earned a second-place finish in the drivers' championship, helping Verstappen to another title and making it the first time Red Bull had achieved a one-two finish in the championship's history.
Since joining Red Bull in 2021, the Mexican won five races and secured 29 podium finishes along with three pole positions.
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