Sergio Pérez of Oracle Crimson Bull Racing — generally known as Checo on this planet of F1 — is preparing for Saturday night time’s inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix.
What makes this specific race distinctive is it evens the taking part in area for the racers as they modify to a brand new circuit — and in lower than ultimate climate situations. The setting is the truth is the coldest local weather of the season when the solar goes down within the desert for the night time races, hitting as little as 50 levels Fahrenheit Friday because the competitors kicked off with {qualifications} (Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc takes the pole place Saturday night time, aka probably the most favorable place for a automobile to begin a race).
However followers of F1 are nicely conscious that Oracle Crimson Bull Racing has already taken residence the large prize this season; the crew secured its sixth constructors’ championship, with Pérez’s teammate Max Verstappen receiving the drivers’ championship. Pérez, 33, is in place to safe second place (in an in depth race with Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes).
“I believe it’s nice that F1 is increasing the calendar all over the world, and the U.S. races are nice for me as nicely, being a Mexican driver,” Pérez informed WWD of his thought on F1 heading to Las Vegas for the primary time. “Vegas is a very particular place, and [I’m] simply excited for the race.”
Exterior the monitor, Pérez has teamed with Patrón to assist design a limited-edition tin celebrating his Mexican roots. He’s from the state of Jalisco, the place the corporate has been crafting its tequila — making him a great match for the partnership. To rejoice the event, Patrón hosted a dinner at chef Sarah Thompson’s Casa Playa contained in the Wynn Las Vegas, bringing out Pérez for a uncommon pre-race look.
“[It] has been a very enjoyable expertise that has allowed me to replicate on my passions for racing and for my residence of Mexico,” he mentioned of the collaboration, producing a lime inexperienced tin designed with figures vital to him — together with the Xolotl, god of fireplace and lightning in Aztec mythology. “It was a cool alternative for me to faucet into my artistic facet a bit greater than typical in my each day as an expert driver and take into consideration the symbols that I needed to signify my life and fervour for my nation.”
Right here, Pérez discusses F1 Vegas and heading to Abu Dhabi subsequent — the ultimate race of the season on Nov. 26.
WWD: What are your ideas on the U.S.’ rising curiosity in F1?
S.P: For me as the one Mexican driver in F1 and one in all two continental American drivers [with Logan Sargeant] — there may be such an enormous Mexican and Latin American group in any respect the F1 race areas within the U.S. — it’s nearly like I’ve 4 residence races.
WWD: What are your views on the Netflix present that launched most People to the game?
S.P: It’s clearly nice for all of the drivers, and the present has introduced us so many new followers. It was good to be a part of it and have my story with Oracle Crimson Bull Racing delivered to a wider lens of racing followers and have them really feel a part of my journey.
WWD: How are you feeling about your season?
S.P: I’m blissful normally. It may at all times enhance however to win races and end on many podiums and win the constructors’ championship once more with this wonderful crew has been nice. Trying ahead to subsequent season already.
WWD: How do you prep earlier than a race?
S.P: It’s so vital to be bodily and mentally prepared for the races, and with so many this may be fairly powerful. I attempt to sleep as a lot as doable even with altering time zones, prepare and eat wholesome. I believe that’s so vital for any athlete these days. I’ve to be immensely disciplined in an effort to keep on the high of our recreation for every race all through the season.
WWD: Do you could have any rituals?
S.P: To be trustworthy, I don’t actually have a routine. I at all times goal to reach to a race early and attempt to be as relaxed as doable. I’m fairly locked in and targeted. Earlier than getting within the automobile I at all times inform my spouse and youngsters that I like them.
WWD: Do you like a day race or night time race?
S.P: Through the racing season we’re touring so usually, throughout so many time zones, that day and night time typically mix into one. Nonetheless, an evening race is at all times a enjoyable excuse to rejoice afterwards.
WWD: What are your ultimate climate situations for a race?
S.P: Nice query — climate after all performs an enormous function within the situations and intricacies of the monitor. After all, a sunny however not too scorching day is right. However the greatest issue for myself and most drivers is wind.
WWD: How do you decompress after a race?
S.P: With my household. Household is a very powerful to me, so any high quality time I get to spend with them is unbelievable. [He welcomed his fourth child with wife Carola Martinez in September.]
Sergio ‘Checo’ Pérez
Courtesy of Patrón
WWD: The place do you see F1 heading as a sport?
S.P: I solely see F1 getting greater within the coming years. It has been getting a lot consideration, rising so quickly over the previous few years. And with that, the viewers is absolutely stepping into the spirit of the game which has been actually thrilling to observe. From our facet, the power on the monitor has been palpable and I solely see the hype rising with each race.
WWD: What do you concentrate on F1 exploring to develop so as to add extra groups and drivers?
S.P: I find it irresistible. Would at all times be a pleasure to welcome new drivers, and rivals to our beloved sport.
WWD: What’s subsequent for you after Vegas and past?
S.P: From a racing perspective after Vegas, we’ll be heading to Abu Dhabi for the ultimate race of the yr, which is extraordinarily surreal. It’s been an unbelievable racing yr that has really soared by. After that, I’m actually wanting ahead to heading residence to relaxation up for the vacation season with my family members.
