Sergio Perez’s departure from Red Bull Racing marks a significant shift in the Formula 1 landscape, with his underperformance and the growing dominance of Max Verstappen being key factors in his exit. Alongside Perez, Franco Colapinto, another Latin American talent, has struggled to secure a full-time seat for the 2025 F1 season. However, both drivers have not given up on the idea of returning to the sport, with Perez’s father, Antonio Perez Garibay, speaking out about the need for more Latin Americans in F1.
Sergio Perez’s Struggles at Red Bull and the Search for a New Opportunity
After facing a performance gap too wide to bridge with Verstappen, Perez's time at Red Bull Racing came to an end. Despite other teams showing little interest in offering him a seat for 2025, his father insists that Perez has not yet exited Formula 1 entirely.
Meanwhile, Franco Colapinto, who made his F1 debut last year, failed to secure a full-time racing seat for the upcoming season. However, the Argentine driver has managed to land a reserve driver role at Alpine. Rumors suggest that Colapinto could replace Jack Doohan at Alpine if the Australian does not perform to the level expected by the team’s management.Antonio Perez Garibay Pushes for More Latin American Drivers in F1
In a recent interview with SoyMotor, Antonio Perez Garibay expressed his commitment to increasing Latin American representation in Formula 1. “Getting into Formula 1 is very difficult, but coming second in the world championship is almost impossible. We are going to commit to getting a Mexican back into Formula 1, a Latin American. What is happening now, with Colapinto and with Checo, is a small step. We need to take more steps,” he said.
Perez Garibay is particularly focused on Pato O'Ward, a former Red Bull junior and current McLaren reserve driver. He believes that McLaren is the team that could offer O'Ward the opportunity he needs. “Hopefully soon we can have a Pato O'Ward or other young Mexicans in Formula 1. I think McLaren should open the door for him,” Perez Garibay stated.
McLaren’s Strong Lineup, But a Door for O'Ward
While acknowledging the strength of McLaren’s current driver lineup, which includes Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, Perez Garibay is adamant that O'Ward deserves a chance. “It’s the same as with Red Bull or Ferrari. They have two very good tigers in their pen. I think Norris and Piastri are great drivers, very young, but that gap has to open for Pato,” he emphasized.
Perez Garibay’s words highlight a desire to see Latin American drivers given the same opportunities as their European counterparts, and his call for McLaren to give O'Ward a chance shows his commitment to advancing the careers of talented drivers from the region.