32 years of age, he is in the senior years of his career. [50], Prez took his third podium at the Italian Grand Prix. This was followed by a gearbox failure while running seventh in Italy, before he scored a point in Singapore after losing ninth place to Felipe Massa. [35] In the second round at Malaysia, he went on to battle with Fernando Alonso for the win. Sergio Perez reveals why he is named Checo The Mexican race driver back in 2013 explained why his famous name called him. Sergio Perez playing F1 on his home gaming setup by honestmaxverstappenfan November 29, 2021. Sergio Perez Mendoza, also known as Checo Perez, has been a firm fixture on the Formula 1 grid since 2011. Flag. The following year, he returned to compete in the junior category; he achieved eight wins and became the youngest driver to become champion of the category. Get the Checo Perez mug. On 28 July, it was announced that Prez would remain with Sauber into the 2012 season, alongside teammate Kobayashi. But knowing his stature, itd be safe to assume hell be eager to line himself up in the front row of the grid until he has a car. Ultimately, he finished the season in tenth place in the Drivers' Championship with 66 points, 6 more than teammate Kobayashi.[52]. By Mauricio Saenz At the Australian Grand Prix, Prez qualified third. [101][102] In the race he made a strong start, moving up to 3rd place by lap 8. "[47], For the German Grand Prix, Prez started in 17th position but was able to make his way through the field, and ultimately finished the race in 6th place. [14][15] Prez is a Catholic. The reason given by the Red Bull superstar is not as interesting as it was thought. I don't understand why the stewards don't take a serious decision with him. Its not really that complicated or interesting. Formula 1: How did Sergio Perez almost become a soccer player? He was the third-youngest driver to take part in the series. Someone who is called Sergio in Mexico its like for Jose is PePe or Jesus = Chuy, Alejandro= Alex. In the Australian Grand Prix, he finished 11th but was moved up to 10th to get his first point for Force India due to Daniel Ricciardo being disqualified for breaching fuel limits. He had a moment with his teammate in Canada when he would not allow his teammate through, who thought he could challenge Daniel Ricciardo for 3rd. The Red Bull boss said he learnt that morning that it means Big d**k in Perezs homeland. [109] Verstappen praised Perez after the race stating Its very rare to have a team mate like that he was a real team player and I really hope we can continue this for a long time.[110]. The origins of the nickname Checo Sergio Perez In an interview in 2013, Perez was asked how he got his nickname. [84] Three days before the British Grand Prix, he tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus which causes COVID-19. Interestingly, the name Pepe is also given to Mexican people called Jose Luis, with Jose, in some cases. [30] He suffered a sprained thigh and concussion, and did not take part in the race the following day, on medical grounds. Prez was subsequently given a five-place grid penalty for the next race, as the stewards decided he changed his racing line, causing Massa to crash into him. Why is Sergio Perez nicknamed Checo? Its not really that complicated or interesting. Prez was unable to overtake Russell so he let Verstappen through, who too was unable to overtake Russell due to an issue with his DRS. [98] During the formation lap for the race, his car switched off due to an electrical failure. [60] Prez recorded a season-best fifth-place finish in India, finishing four seconds shy of the podium, a result that left him "extremely satisfied".[61]. Tanish Chachra is the Motorsport editor at The SportsRush. In Mexico, where I come from, all Sergios are automatically given the nickname Checo. Sergio Michel Checo Prez Mendoza (Spanish born 26 January 1990), is a Mexican racing driver who races in Formula One for Red Bull Racing, previously known as Sauber, McLaren, Force India. In 2003, he was leading both championships in the 125cc category but withdrew from the last seven races, which proved to be a disappointment in his title aspirations. With Pastor they're not doing anything that will teach him a lesson. [93], Prez won his first race at the Sakhir Grand Prix, becoming Formula 1's 110th race winner. The 2019 season saw Racing Point Force India become Racing Point, retaining Prez as a driver. He finished the season in 10th place in the championship with 52 points, comfortably ahead of teammate Stroll. Sergio Perez responded to the topic of why he is known as Checo in 2013. Tyre management played a significant role but in contrast to previous occasions he pitted as many times as Ferrari and Red Bull, at times catching up with the front runners and managing to hold Sebastian Vettel in fourth at a comfortable distance. Alas, this confusion was cleared up by Sergio Perez himself in an interview back in 2013, asking the Mexican driver about his unusual nickname. Turns out, the story around it is a bit underwhelming: By Mauricio Saenz WebSergio Perez with his pet dogs Amid the COVID-19 lockdown, Checo Perez ordered a gaming setup for his home to replicate the feel of being in a formula 1 racing car. [39] However, Prez later told reporters that he expected to stay with Sauber until at least the end of the 2012 season. Sorry, theres nothing to it! Similarly to how Jim stands for James in English, Checo stands for Sergio in Mexican Spanish. Checo Checks The Stock Market. until he was successfully sued by the singer 17 times, when he cleverly changed a letter and outwitted his former inspiration. In Mexico, where I come from, all Sergios are automatically given the nickname Checo. said Perez. Sergio Perez responded to the topic of why he is known as Checo in 2013. Full Spectrum Services LLP 2022 | All Rights Reserved. Sergio Perez playing F1 on his home gaming setup Nevertheless, Perez is among the most adored drivers on the grid. [54] This also ended Prez' association with Ferrari, as he was released from its driver academy. However, he finished in third place in Telmex Challenge, in addition to being Cup runner-up in Mexico. He was allowed to live in a restaurant owned by his team manager for four months. In the race, he conserved his tyres up to lap 24. Responding to the question, Perez said, "In Mexico, where I come from, all Sergios are automatically given the nickname 'Checo'. Checo is the nickname given to all people called Sergio in Mexico, according to the man himself. In 2020, Perez signed with Racing Point, which was later renamed Aston Martin. He was the first Mexican driver to compete at this level of motorsport since Giovanni Aloi took part in International Formula 3000 in 1990. The Mexican race driver signed a contract extension with Red Bull before the Monaco Grand Prix and would be bagging $12 million a year salary. But he has also faced many challenges and faced criticism for his inconsistency on the track. The reasoning behind Perezs nickname is, in fact, a simple one. He also became a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy scheme in October 2010.[26]. Eventually Prez finished 1.4 seconds behind Leclerc in third place which meant he ended up third in the 2022 Drivers Standings.[130]. Prez confirmed on 13 November 2013 that he would be leaving McLaren at the end of the season to be replaced by Kevin Magnussen. He jumped up to 2nd on the opening lap of the race, after beating Charles Leclerc off the line. [22] He finished fourteenth in the championship, driving for 4speed Media, and improved to sixth position the following year. [40], At the 2012 Chinese Grand Prix, he qualified a career-best eighth, but finished the race in eleventh place after problems with pit strategy and his car's clutch. Horner said, Hiring Checo is a bit of a risk. A strong start to the season, including a 6th-place finish in Azerbaijan,[78] was followed by a string of eight races without points, the longest such string of his career. The Chinese Grand Prix saw him start in 12th position and he struggled during the race as well as making contact with several drivers en route to 17th. Sorry, there's no story behind it! said Perez, according to the Sun. Prix, and he has been a fan of the sport and Red Bull ever since. [66] Prez stated that contract negotiations were "ongoing", in regards to a further contract extension. Why is Sergio Perez nicknamed Checo? [34], Prez started the season with eighth place at the Australian Grand Prix, losing several places on the final lap due to excessively-worn tyres. This years drivers championship is over, with Verstappen sealing the title in Japan. Driving for a team sponsored by Mexican telecommunications company Telmex, he finished eleventh in the championship. In the pit stop window, he then passed Lewis Hamilton to take 2nd place. The following year saw him become the youngest driver to compete in the 125cc Shifter Regional category. Prez finished in second place, behind Verstappen, giving Red Bull another 1-2 result. He later made the same mistake while overtaking Lewis Hamilton, again losing time. When he started driving, Sergio always entered races as Chico! Sergio Perez revealed in 2013 the reason behind his nickname. This was caused by a group of creditors (including Prez) taking legal action against the team. [41] He finished outside the points in the next three races despite recording the fastest lap in Monaco,[42] before Prez achieved his second career podium at the Canadian Grand Prix, finishing the race in third place, having started fifteenth. Soon something serious will happen so he has to calm down. As a literature student At the 2013 Monaco Grand Prix Prez performed several aggressive overtaking moves, before retiring after colliding with Kimi Rikknen. Checo is the nickname given to all people called Sergio in Mexico, according to the man himself. Sergio Prez a great admirer of Club Amrica. 3. He took his first Formula One podium at the 2012 Malaysian Grand Prix with Sauber. He also was voted the 'Driver of the day'. ", "Formula 1: The cause of Sergio Perez's mysterious retirement", "Verstappen dubs Perez an 'amazing human being' as he credits Mexican's heroics for title win", "Saudi Arabian GP: Sergio Perez on 'unbelievable lap'; Christian Horner praises staggering team effort", "2022 Spanish Grand Prix report and highlights: Verstappen leads Red Bull 1-2 after Leclerc retires from rollercoaster Spanish Grand Prix", "Perez says Red Bull momentum 'couldn't be any better' as he reveals plans to discuss team orders rules", "Monaco GP: Sergio Perez 'very sorry' for crash and fears damage | Carlos Sainz: I couldn't avoid him", "Sainz: Blind corner made Perez Monaco crash inevitable", "2022 Monaco Grand Prix report and highlights: Perez wins a captivating wet-dry Monaco Grand Prix as Leclerc falls from pole to P4", "2022 Azerbaijan Grand Prix race report and highlights: Verstappen cruises to Azerbaijan Grand Prix win as both Leclerc and Sainz retire", "Perez enjoys 'epic' final laps at Silverstone after recovering from last to P2", "Christian Horner after Belgian GP qualifying: 'Max has been absolutely on fire', "2022 Belgian Grand Prix race report and highlights: Verstappen cruises to Belgian Grand Prix victory from P14 as Perez completes Red Bull 1-2 | Formula 1", "Perez handed 5-second post-race penalty for Safety Car infringement but holds onto Singapore Grand Prix win | Formula 1", "Perez holds off Leclerc to win rollercoaster 2022 Singapore Grand Prix as Verstappen settles for 7th", "Verstappen crowned world champion with Japanese GP victory after late penalty for Leclerc | Formula 1", "Verstappen makes F1 history as he beats Hamilton to victory in Mexico for 14th win of the season | Formula 1", "2022 Sao Paulo Grand Prix report and highlights: Russell takes maiden victory as Hamilton backs up Mercedes 1-2 in Sao Paulo | Formula 1", "2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix report and highlights: Verstappen cruises to victory in Abu Dhabi as Leclerc seals P2 in standings over Perez | Formula 1", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sergio_Prez&oldid=1142331285, Super Karts Cup Mxico Superkart 125 (Light) JAP, Super Karts Cup Mxico Superkart 80 (Light), Super Karts Cup Mxico Superkart 125 (Light), This page was last edited on 1 March 2023, at 20:33. He let teammate Verstappen past with the understanding that Verstappen would let Prez back past if he couldn't gain any positions, due to Prez' fight with Leclerc for second place in the drivers championship. Let us tell you, but heads up: there are two versions, so pick your favorite wisely. [103], At the 2021 French Grand Prix, Prez qualified in 4th place, starting behind Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas. Interestingly, the name Pepe is also given to Mexican people called Jose Luis, with Jose, in some cases. The nickname is a shortened version of Prezs last name, a trend common to many drivers across the world. Sergio Perez revealed in 2013 the reason behind his nickname. Sergio Perez, otherwise known as Checo, is a Formula One driver from Mexico. Checo is the nickname given to all people called Sergio in Mexico, according to the man himself. But standing true to his name and experience in Formula 1, Checo delivered a championship-defining performance for Max Verstappen after having played an ultimate team player all season. With the race boiling down to a final lap title shootout, Red Bull did not want to risk Perez stopping out on track. WebSergio Perez with his pet dogs Amid the COVID-19 lockdown, Checo Perez ordered a gaming setup for his home to replicate the feel of being in a formula 1 racing car. He achieved his first pole position at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, on his 215th race start in Formula 1; therefore breaking the record for most races before a first pole position and also becoming the first Mexican driver to achieve a pole position in F1. In Mexico, where I come from, all Sergios are automatically given the nickname Checo. Sergio Perez reveals why he is named Checo It's not really that complicated or interesting. He added a second win at Losail, during the sprint race of the night meeting in Qatar. Sorry, theres no story behind it!" However, many F1 fans have no idea why he is called that. Responding to the question, Perez said, "In Mexico, where I come from, all Sergios are automatically given the nickname 'Checo'. Sorry, theres nothing to it! Similarly to how Jim stands for James in English, Checo stands for Sergio in Mexican Spanish. [6], Up until 2012, Prez was a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy. To watch Sergio 'Checo' Perez in action, follow the 2021 F1 season as the Mexican drives alongside Max Verstappen for Red Bull Racing Honda. Why is Sergio Perez nicknamed Checo? and Racing Point. Sergio Perez responded to the topic of why he is known as Checo in 2013. Now for the race that gave him his famous nickname: the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP. Since Prez announced his departure from Racing Point there was support from the media for him, with The Race saying it will be a "huge injustice were Perez not to be on the 2021 grid.". Flag. In Mexico, where I come from, all Sergios are automatically given the nickname Checo. He said: "Its not really that complicated or interesting. The best drivers in the The first one is when, in 2013, Perez himself shed light on why he is called Checo. With the race boiling down to a final lap title shootout, Red Bull did not want to risk Perez stopping out on track. All Sergios is immediately given the moniker Checo in Mexico, where I grew up. Prez is married to Carola Martnez, and they have three children. But six years on, youll be amazed by the things you still dont know about Force Indias Mexican driver. "[116], At the Monaco Grand Prix, Prez qualified third, crashing at the Portier corner on his final attempt. He finished fourth overall, equalling his best championship result set in 2020. Prez drove for the Campos Grand Prix team in the 200809 GP2 Asia Series, partnering Russian driver Vitaly Petrov. He was again knocked out in Baku where he thought he could challenge for the win before colliding with Ocon. [108] Prez retired from the race a few laps from the end because of suspected engine problems. Leclerc cut across the Casio Triangle, and blocked Prez from making an overtake. Throughout most of the race, Prez successfully prevented Leclerc from re-overtaking him. His best race of the season was in Russia, where he scored his first podium of 2015 and Force India's third-ever. Why Sergio Perez is called Checo? Leclercs emotional phone call to Perez after Mexican GP. In December, Prez signed with Red Bull Racing for the 2021 season. : $12 million salaried Red Bull star reveals how he got his nickname, FIA propose Wind Tunnel time punishment to Red Bull for $1.8 Million Budget cap breach, Christian Horner in Abu Dhabi told Yuki Tsunoda, Max Verstappen and Pierre Gasly what Checo means in Mexico, 33-year-old Daniel Ricciardo feels age wont hurt hopes of returning to F1 in 2024. Copyright: RU Sport Private Limited. I've had some tough fights in F1 but not quite as dirty as that. As a result, Prez and his car's outstanding tyre management got him well into the points, and ultimately, to a podium finish. [53] He also replaced Hamilton in McLaren's cartoon Tooned. [45] On lap 12 of the British Grand Prix, he collided with Pastor Maldonado, forcing him to retire with broken suspension. [120], At the British Grand Prix, Prez started fourth. WebFor non-Spanish speakers, the nickname Checo may seem to have greater meaning behind it or perhaps an in-joke from Perezs friends and family. Not bad as in terrible. With six wins in 2002, Prez finished as the national runner-up in the Shifter 125cc category, and participated in the global race Shifter 80cc, in Las Vegas, where he qualified fifth and finished in 11th place. Sergio Perez revealed in 2013 the reason behind his nickname. Checo Checks The Stock Market. The reasoning behind Perezs nickname is, in fact, a simple one. The first one is when, in 2013, Perez himself shed light on why he is called Checo. Prez took seven points finishes from nine races in the second half of the season. I really enjoy looking at the stock market and I even own some stocks too. ", "McLaren learning from Melbourne Perez", "Vettel beats Webber in Malaysia amid team controversy", "2013 FORMULA 1 GULF AIR BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX Race Results", "Monaco GP: Sergio Perez should be punched, says Kimi Raikkonen", "India selected team and driver quotes", "Sergio Perez confirms McLaren departure", "Sergio Perez and Force India revel in podium", "Perez podium 'special' after tough 2013", "Prez, Chilton penalised for Montreal collisions", "Sergio Perez: Force India driver to stay with Formula 1 team in 2015", "Sergio Perez: Force India driver signs up for 2016 season", "Podium for Checo in Russia, fifth in his F1 history", "Sergio Prez walks away unscathed after high-speed F1 crash at Hungarian GP", "Sergio Perez delighted to show his talent with P3 at Monaco GP", "Sergio Perez picked a second podium finish of the season at Baku", "Perez hails "incredible" year after second podium", "Sergio Perez commits to Force India for 2017 F1 season", "Perez targets Red Bull after taking fourth in Barcelona", "Perez explains Force India's financial position", "Sergio Perez admits penalty for Sergey Sirotkin clash was 'fair', "Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2019: Double points cap off 'fantastic day' for Racing Point in Baku", "German GP: Verstappen wins crazy race, disaster for Mercedes", "Racing Point's Singapore retirement call saved Perez's F1 engine", "2019 Belgian Grand Prix race report: Leclerc makes it look easy on tragic weekend", "Hamilton crowned F1 world champion for sixth time as Bottas wins in Austin", "Sergio Perez to start US Grand Prix from the pit lane", "Perez signs three-year contract extension with Racing Point", "70th Anniversary Grand Prix: Nico Hulkenberg to stand in for Sergio Perez again", "Sergio Perez: Racing Point driver to return at Spanish Grand Prix after negative Covid-19 test", "Perez/Kvyat Spanish GP penalties first in FIA crackdown on F1 blue flags", "Sergio Perez reveals he is leaving Racing Point at the end of 2020 in shock announcement", "Aston Martin deal gives Vettel last laugh over Ferrari", "Perez leaving F1 at his peak would be a huge injustice", "Martin Brundle: A treacherous Turkish GP leads to a crowning drive for Lewis Hamilton", "Sergio Perez takes sensational maiden win in Sakhir GP as tyre mix-up ruins Russell's charge", "Former Red Bull F1 Driver Alex Albon Gets a New Ride for 2021", "Perez to partner Verstappen at Red Bull in 2021, as Albon becomes reserve driver", "What the teams said Qualifying in Bahrain", "What the teams said - Qualifying in Emilia Romagna", "2021 Azerbaijan Grand Prix race report and highlights: Perez beats Vettel to Baku victory after Verstappen crashes out from lead late on", "Paul Ricard weekend 'wasn't as good as I hoped' says Perez, despite second straight Red Bull podium", "Sergio Perez crashes out before Belgian Grand Prix", "Perez happy after "intense race" in Turkey", "WATCH: Hamilton and Perez dice in epic mid-race duel in 2021 Turkish GP", "How crucial was 'legend' Perez to Verstappen's F1 title? Another points finish came with 9th place in Spain. WebSergio Michel "Checo" Prez Mendoza (Spanish: [sexjo pees] (); born 26 January 1990), is a Mexican racing driver who races in Formula One for Red Bull Racing, having previously driven for Sauber, McLaren, Force India, and Racing Point.He won his first Formula One Grand Prix at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix, breaking the record for the number of starts before a race win at 190. In Mexico, where I come from, all Sergios are automatically given the nickname Checo. said Perez. The nickname is a shortened version of Prezs last name, a trend common to many drivers across the world. [16], Both Prez brothers are association football fans, stating that they thought about leaving car racing to play professionally. Why is Sergio Perez nicknamed Checo? He came fifth in Belgium and sixth in Italy. In Mexico, where I come from, all Sergios are He moved to Arden International for the main 2009 GP2 Series, driving alongside fellow Formula Three graduate Edoardo Mortara. Its going to be good, Max said in this thanks to Checo. He ruined [Lewis] Hamilton's race (in Valencia), he ruined my race in Monaco by doing stupid things. Its the Mexican Minister of defense, given to him by none other than Verstappen himself. [12] Prez then won the 2021 Azerbaijan Grand Prix with the team and secured the second Formula 1 Grand Prix win of his career. After the 2016 Malaysian Grand Prix, Prez confirmed he had committed to Force India for the 2017 season. Its not actually that complicated or exciting, he said. He made his Formula One debut driving for Sauber during the 2011 season. The reason for shortening Sergio to Checo is because sometimes little kids (younger brothers/cousins) have trouble pronouncing names correctly and in spanish Ser-gio could be heard as Che-co by a kid.. same as how Ig-na-cio can be heard as Na-cho.. etc 14 zushimikudyo Valtteri Bottas 8 mo. Sergio Prez a great admirer of Club Amrica. (Checo Perez)'s got so much rear!