Pérez commits to struggling Cadillac with 2-year extension
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MEXICO CITY -- It was a day of dual celebration for Sergio Perez.
Following F1 team Cadillac 's announcement Wednesday of a two-year contract extension, the Mexican star brought the excitement directly to thousands of his compatriots with a high-energy show on one of Mexico City's iconic avenues.
The 36-year-old "Checo" Perez was originally under contract through next year and recently said he was evaluating retirement following a challenging stretch of results.
"Joining the Cadillac Formula 1 team from day one was a project I truly believed in, and extending my commitment feels like a natural continuation of this chapter," he said.
A big celebration
Perez was able to celebrate alongside thousands of fans who had gathered since the early morning on Avenida Reforma -- one of Mexico City's most prominent thoroughfares -- to cheer on their idol.
The Mexican driver completed three rounds of laps of a street circuit and stepped out of his car a couple of times to wave to the fans watching the spectacle from behind metal barriers.
"The team is very excited, which is why they've prepared so many things; I'm grateful for the support from the fans in the country--the fans are one of the big reasons why I returned to Formula 1," he said.
Although authorities have yet to release an official figure, the last time Perez held a similar exhibition -- back in 2021, while driving for Red Bull -- it drew a crowd of 130,000 people.
"These moments are one-of-a-kind, given everything they represent. I know the effort people make to be here so early; that means a lot," said Perez.
Difficult season
Cadillac is bottom of the constructors' championship without a single point. Perez's top performances this season have yielded three 14th-place finishes.
"Building a Formula 1 team from the ground up takes time, relentless work, and patience, but the progress we are making together is incredibly rewarding," Perez added. "There is still a lot of work ahead of us, and I am fully committed for the next three years."
Milestone home race
Widely regarded as the greatest Mexican driver in F1 history, Perez has bagged six Grand Prix victories. He has also represented Sauber, McLaren, Force India, Racing Point and Red Bull.
This weekend at the Mexico City Grand Prix, Perez will celebrate his 300th F1 start, in front of his home crowd.
"It's not just about driving the car in those 300 Grands Prix, it's also about being away from the country for those weeks," said Perez. "It's also about constantly innovating as a driver, because you're competing against the best in the world."