‘Checo’ Pérez predicts that Verstappen will be the Formula 1 world champion in 2025

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MEXICO CITY. – Mexican driver Sergio “Checo” Pérez, Formula 1 world runner-up in 2023, assured this Thursday that his former teammate Max Verstappen has all the conditions to be proclaimed world champion in the 2025 season, highlighting his consistency and talent behind the wheel.

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“Because of the consistency he has always shown, Max has very good chances of winning the championship; he is undoubtedly the driver who deserves it the most,” Pérez expressed during the “From the Track to the Court” event, held in Mexico City, prior to the Mexican Grand Prix that will be held this weekend at the Hermanos Rodríguez Autodrome.

The considered best Mexican driver in history remained calm despite not participating in this year's race, after his departure from the Red Bull Racing team at the end of the 2024 season.

“It's going to be different because I'm not going to run, but it will be incredible to see this tenth year off the track. It's weird to be here and not compete, but I'll watch it from home. It will only be this year; next year I'll be back,” he affirmed.

Pérez confirmed that he will return to Formula 1 in 2026 as a driver for the new Cadillac team, with which he will compete in his fifteenth season in the top motorsport series.

New Stage with Cadillac

With 39 podiums in his career, "Checo" said he felt motivated by his new stage with the American team and revealed some details of his return.

“I want to enjoy this final stage of my career; I am very excited. We have everything ready, including the helmet color: it will be black,” he said.

The Tapatio highlighted the trust and support he has received from his new technical structure, marking a contrast with his last years under the direction of Christian Horner at Red Bull.

"It's always good to have a team that listens to you and values you; it's what every driver wants. We are already working hard in the simulator and in November we will have tests with the engineers and mechanics to prepare for the start in January," he explained.

Closing the Cycle with Red Bull

Pérez was part of Red Bull between 2021 and 2024, a period in which he accumulated outstanding results: fourth place in his first season, third in 2022, runner-up in 2023 and eighth in 2024. Although his departure marked the end of an era, the Mexican assured that he feels grateful for the achievements and motivated by the new chapter that is about to begin. The 2025 Mexican Grand Prix will be held this weekend at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, where thousands of fans will pay tribute to the most successful driver the country has produced.