Why is Red Bull driver Sergio Perez called ‘Checo’?

Red Bull driver Sergio Perez has long been called by the nickname ‘Checo’ – but why does the F1 star use the name?

Perez is the most successful Mexican driver in F1 history. Before the 2022 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, he has won three races.

The most recent of those came at the Monaco Grand Prix. In a race dominated by changeable weather conditions, Perez timed the switch from wet to dry tyres perfectly to take the race’s lead. Despite a heavy vibration on his tyre, he held on to secure a famous victory ahead of Ferrari‘s Carlos Sainz.

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He entered F1 with Sauber in 2011 as a 21-year-old, after finishing second in the previous year’s GP2 campaign.

Following two years at the Swiss outfit, he made the step up to McLaren, teaming up with Jenson Button. However, the Mexican struggled for consistency at McLaren. He also received criticism for his aggressive driving style. Perez left the team after just one season, moving to Racing Point (then Force India).

After a number of seasons as one of F1’s top midfield drivers, the Mexican had a potentially race-winning car in 2020. He took full advantage, winning the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix. He finished in fourth place in the standings.

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However, with his deal at Racing Point expiring at the end of the season, and Sebastian Vettel already signed up to the newly-rebranded Aston Martin team, Perez suddenly found himself at risk of losing his place in F1 entirely.

Red Bull eventually signed him for 2021, ensuring the talented 32-year-old remained in the sport.

Over the years, Perez has established himself as one of the quickest and most consistent drivers in F1. Unlike in his McLaren days, there can be no questions about his potential ceiling in the sport. But there is one question that some fans ask – why is Sergio Perez referred to as ‘Checo’?

Why is Sergio Perez called ‘Checo’?

The reasoning behind Perez’s nickname is, in fact, a simple one.

‘Checo’ is the nickname given to all people called Sergio in Mexico, according to the man himself. Interestingly, the name ‘Pepe’ is also given to Mexican people called Jose Luis, with Jose, in some cases. being short for Joseph.

In 2013, Perez explained: “It’s not really that complicated or interesting.

“In Mexico, where I come from, all Sergios are automatically given the nickname ‘Checo’. Sorry, there’s no story behind it!”

However, team-mate Max Verstappen attempted to give Perez a new nickname after the Mexican held off Lewis Hamilton for several laps in the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Verstappen would win the Drivers’ Championship as a result of securing victory in the race.

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In a Red Bull video, the Dutchman referred to Perez as ‘The Minister of Defence’. Despite this, the nickname hasn’t really caught on.

Featured Image Credit: Getty