Force India Driver Profile: Sergio Perez

Driver Profile: Sergio Perez

Date of birth:  26/01/1990 (28)

Nationality:  Mexican

Weight:  68kg

Height: 175 cm

Sergio “Checo” Perez is Force India’s more experienced driver, now entering his 5th year with the team. He has proved himself as a consistent driver since he got his first break in Formula One with Sauber, earning them five points finishes in his first season and three podiums in his second.

Following a move to McLaren in 2013 to replace the outgoing Lewis Hamilton, he joined Force India for the 2014 season, starting the season well by earning a podium in his third race in Bahrain. 2015 was an even more memorable year for Sergio, as he took part in his first home Grand Prix in Mexico and climbed to 9^th in the Drivers’ championship, with the team finishing 5^th in the Constructors’ Championship.

2016 was another strong season for the Mexican driver, with a string of 10 points finishes propelling him to over 100 points and a career best of 7^th in the Drivers’ championship.

2017 brought fresh challenges for Sergio in the form of new team mate Esteban Ocon, with their relationship on and off the track constantly in the media spotlight. But he refused to let the pressure get to him inside the car, once again earning over 100 points and finishing 7^th in the Drivers’ Championships.

Reconfirmed with Force India for 2018, Sergio will no doubt be looking to build on his experience to take his consistent approach to the next level and boost the team in its fight to enter the sport’s top three.

“The race in Melbourne is something I look forward to all winter. It’s a really cool place to start the season. I love the city and it’s probably one of my favourite places to visit,” Sergio told Force India’s Driver’s Eye season preview.
 
“One thing I love about Melbourne is the wildlife and the scenery. I remember driving down the Great Ocean Road a few years ago and loved the experience. I also enjoy visiting the zoo because I always like to see the koalas – even though they are usually asleep!
 
“You always arrive in Melbourne full of hope. There are lots of unanswered questions and it’s when you really start to understand your competitiveness. At the same time, it’s not a typical race because it’s usually quite unpredictable. Often, just finishing the race is the key to getting a good result.
 
“I feel in good shape and ready for the season to start. I want this to be my best year in Formula One and I want to be back on the podium. During testing we saw that all the midfield teams are quite close together in terms of performance. I also think the gap to the front of the grid is smaller. Let’s see what happens.
 
“The Albert Park circuit is always difficult. It’s not easy to find your flow because it’s quite stop and start. You need to be strong on the brakes and have good traction. I would say my favourite part of the lap is turn one; it’s challenging and bumpy, and it’s not easy to see the apex when you’re turning in. It becomes even more difficult late in the day when the sun is low in the sky and in your eyes.”