‘Checo’ thought about retiring this F1 season: ‘I would like to forget the last 6 months’
Mexican Formula 1 driver Sergio 'Checo' Pérez reflected on his difficult season, revealing he considered retirement due to the immense pressure and challenges faced during the year.
Sergio 'Checo' Pérez, the Mexican driver for Red Bull Racing, recently opened up about his challenging season in Formula 1, expressing that he contemplated retiring midway through the year. He described the last six months as one of the toughest periods of his career, citing intense pressure and the limitations of his car as significant factors contributing to his struggles. As his teammate Max Verstappen excelled, Pérez felt increasingly frustrated with his own performance, which only amplified the mental challenges he faced.
During the recent Singapore Grand Prix, Pérez finished in tenth place, scoring only one point and currently sits eighth in the drivers' championship with 144 points. In stark contrast, Verstappen leads the standings with an impressive 331 points, highlighting the disparity in performance between the two drivers. This lack of competitiveness has led Pérez to mentally detach from the title fight, a situation that has taken a toll on his morale and motivation.
Despite being the world championship runner-up in 2023, Pérez's absence from the podium since the Chinese Grand Prix in April reflects a significant downturn in form. His frustrations resonate with fans and analysts alike, emphasizing the often unseen psychological burdens driver face in high-stakes motorsports. As he addresses these issues openly, the conversation around mental health in sports continues to gain traction, warranting a deeper look at the pressures faced by elite athletes.