Sergio Pérez’s Father, Antonio, Is a Well-Known Politician Former Racing Champion

Sergio Pérez’s father, Antonio Pérez Garibay, was once a racecar driver who introduced the sport to his children. He and all of his three kids are still involved in the industry today.

Sergio ‘Checo’ Pérez is raising the Mexican flag high amongst racecar drivers as the most successful Mexican in Formula One’s history.

At only 33 years old, he won several competitions and, in 2020, became the first Mexican to win an F1 Grand Prix in 50 years. With several victories to his name, No one is more proud of Checo’s success than his father, Antonio Pérez Garibay.

In fact, Antonio introduced racing to his son as a kid. At a young age, Checo already had a karting career and several wins at only six years old. He later became the youngest driver to win in the Shifter 80 cc class.

Checo Pérez’s father has been taking his children to the racetracks since they were little, making racing a family affair. Because all kids grew to love the sport, Antonio’s older son also became a racecar driver in Mexico’s NASCAR Toyota series. Sergio shared:

“My brother started earlier as he’s four years older than me. Obviously, as he was the oldest, the younger brother normally always follows what the older brother does, so I started to race too.”

Antonio once had the same career and was even the 1987 national champion in Mexico. Antonio has posted several throwback photos from his youth as a racer and of his children sharing the same passion.

On April 20, 2023, Antonio revealed that he would be participating in the Mexico Grand Prix and already began his training.

His passion for racing eventually grew, especially with his two boys in the business. Earlier in 2023, he announced his intention to build a track for races in Mexico. Antonio has actively sought business partners for the venture. He said:

“The most important part is that the FIA and Formula 1 have already accepted it. They opened the doors for me.”

Although Antonio isn’t as active in racing behind the wheel as he was in the past, he is still pursuing a career in a different craft. After his third and youngest child, Sergio, was born, Antonio retired as a racecar driver.

Still, he stayed in motorsports and managed Mexican drivers Tomas Lopez and Adrian Fernandez. He later changed his path and has been engaged in Mexican politics for decades.

Antonio felt the need to contribute to the betterment of his country after experiencing challenges during his childhood. He aims to help Mexicans learn the same lessons he did growing up and strive for success.

Pérez has undoubtedly been a guiding force and a significant influence in Sergio’s career. He is a supportive father who goes above and beyond for his son and would accompany Sergio to different events around the globe.

He raised Sergio alongside his wife, Marilú Mendoza de Pérez. The couple had three children, Sergio, Antonio, and Paola, who also works in the industry as Sergio’s commercial director.

Antonio isn’t the only supportive parent in the F1 series. Fellow racer Lewis Hamilton’s parents were also significant in his success. Lewis’ father, Anthony Hamilton, is also his manager and number one protector.

Lewis is fortunate to have two mothers who support and care for him – his biological mother, Carmen Larbalestier, and stepmother, Linda Hamilton. Both women have been present in his successes and were famously pictured hugging Lewis at the Chinese Grand Prix in 2008.