Red Bull Driver Sergio Perez is one of the most experienced on the current F1 grid as he has been racing for over a decade. He made his debut in the 2011 Australian Grand Prix when he competed with the Sauber F1 team.
Over the years, the Mexican driver has earned himself a good name due to his performances on the track mostly during his time in the midfield from 2014 to 2020 where he put in astonishing performances which resulted in him joining Red Bull in 2021.
Below are five interesting facts about Sergio Perez that few know:
#1 Sergio Perez was a Ferrari Academy Driver
Sergio Perez was initially a Ferrari Academy driver in his junior years and joined the Italian team stable in late 2010. He did not have a prolific junior career but his performances in the 2010 season in GP2, where he finished P2 behind future F1 driver Pastor Maldonado, caught the eye of the Maranello-based outfit.
He was initially termed as a ‘pay driver’ due to his backing from Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim and was put in Sauber in 2011 as they were an engine customer of Ferrari.
#2 He wanted to become a banker
The 34-year-old Mexican is one of the richest drivers in the sport and boasts a net worth of close to $75 million. He also commands one of the highest salaries on the grid per season, as reportedly Red Bull chucks out a handsome $14 million every year for his services. So, it is no surprise that he wanted to become a banker in his alternate life.
#3 He takes an avid interest in trading
Due to his interest in finance, Perez is keenly invested in the world of stocks and trading and keeps a watchful eye on the sector. Apparently, the first app in the morning he checks in the morning is the CNBC App and even compared the world of trading to F1 due to the uncertain nature of the two worlds.
#4 Sergio Perez’s manager also managed Aryton Senna
The Red Bull driver on several occasions has spoken about his love for his racing idol Ayrton Senna. The former three-time world champion had a profound impact on the young Mexican’s life as the latter mentioned that he is always been fascinated by the Brazilian.
His love for Senna took to another level after he hired veteran paddock insider Julian Jakobi, who used to manage Senna and his archrival Alain Prost during their heydays.
#5 Sergio Perez is a big fan of Ivan Zamorano
Sergio Perez races with the number 11 on his car. He got the inspiration from Chilean soccer player Ivan Zamorano. The Mexican has previously shared his love for the soccer player and credits him as the reason behind the use of number 11 in his F1 career.
The Chilean played for popular teams such as Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Sevilla along with representing his country for 14 years from 1987 to 2001.