Sergio Michel Pérez Mendoza, widely known as Checo, was born on January 26, 1990, in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. His parents are Antonio Pérez Garibay and Marilú Mendoza de Pérez.
They have played a foundational role in his journey to becoming a prominent Formula 1 driver.
Pérez is the youngest of three children, with an older sister named Paola and an older brother also named Antonio. The family’s collective support and sacrifices were instrumental in shaping his early racing career.
Antonio pérez garibay: a racing and political figure
Antonio Pérez Garibay, Sergio Pérez’s father, has a diverse background encompassing motorsport, business, and politics. He was a former racecar driver himself, achieving the title of national champion in Mexico in 1987.
Antonio introduced Sergio to karting at the tender age of six, igniting his passion for racing. After retiring from his own racing career, he continued his involvement in motorsport by managing other Mexican drivers, including Tomas Lopez and the legendary IndyCar driver Adrian Fernandez.
Beyond motorsport, Antonio Pérez Garibay established himself as a businessman. He later transitioned into a career in Mexican politics, a path he has pursued for decades.
He has served as a member of the House of Representatives since 2021, representing the National Regeneration Movement party, known as Morena. Antonio previously aspired to become the Mayor of Guadalajara in 2015 and ran for Senator in 2018.
Antonio Pérez Garibay is a highly recognizable figure at Formula 1 races, often seen passionately supporting his son. His outspoken nature has sometimes led to controversy, including remarks made in 2024.
Marilú mendoza de pérez: the private pillar of support
Marilú Mendoza de Pérez, Sergio Pérez’s mother, has maintained a more private profile compared to her husband. She is primarily dedicated to her home and family life.
Despite her preference for privacy, Marilú has been a crucial source of support throughout Sergio’s racing trajectory. She played a key role from his early karting days through his challenging move to Europe to pursue his racing dreams.
Marilú made the difficult decision to support Sergio’s relocation to Germany as a young boy, even though he did not speak German at the time. She continues to follow all of her son’s races, often watching them on television, and attends the Mexican Grand Prix.
Sergio Pérez has often stated that he shares a similar reserved and private personality with his mother. Her unwavering emotional support has been a constant presence in his demanding career.
The pérez family’s motorsport journey
The Pérez family’s commitment to motorsport extends beyond Sergio. His older brother, Antonio Pérez Mendoza, is also a retired stock car racing driver.
Antonio Jr. achieved significant success, becoming the 2008 NASCAR Corona Series champion. Sergio’s older sister, Paola Pérez, is also involved in the industry, working as her brother’s commercial director.
The family’s journey into elite motorsport was built on considerable sacrifices and sheer determination. They faced financial struggles and dedicated countless hours to support Sergio’s ambitions.
Both Antonio and Marilú instilled in their children the belief that Mexican talent could compete on a global stage. Their collective effort transformed a dream into a reality for Sergio.
| Parent | Full Name | Primary Role / Background |
|---|---|---|
| Father | Antonio Pérez Garibay | Former racing driver, politician, businessman |
| Mother | Marilú Mendoza de Pérez | Homemaker, private family supporter |
