Vamos Checo: Red Bull Racing light up the streets of Mexico City

Sergio ‘Checo’ Perez charged into action on the streets of Mexico City today at the iconic Paseo de la Reforma, with a series of flat-out blasts and tyre-smoking doughnuts along the city’s historic boulevard.

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Bringing Formula One power to a massive crowd of 130,000 fans, Checo cranked up the double championship-winning Red Bull Racing RB7 and lit up Mexico in preparation for his home race at this weekend’s Grand Prix.

Checo unveiled a special edition driver’s suit to bring even more colour to his home show run, and a one-off helmet design that he’ll also wear for this weekend’s race at the Autodrómo Hermanos Rodriguez.

It is going to be a crazy week, driving the Red Bull Racing car up one of the most iconic streets in the country will be really special. It is something I have dreamt of for many years and to be able to bring my Red Bull car to my country will be very special. Then after the event, I am planning to give a dinner to all the Team to make sure they try the great Mexican food and the good traditions that we have in our country.

Sergio Pérez

Speaking after the event, Sergio Perez said: “It feels amazing to be back here in Mexico City, I never really imagined a moment like this, I think like an athlete and a driver you always think about being on track making memories, but today was crazy, we took over Mexico City. It was such a special way to start my home Grand Prix weekend. Everyone was full of energy and the people have been amazing, even camping here since last night. I am really looking forward to seeing all the fans back at the track this weekend too. My ambitions for this weekend are to be in the mix to win the race on Sunday and it would mean everything to me to come out on top in Mexico.”

The Bulls Arrive In Mexico

The 2015 race saw Daniil Kvyat and Daniel Ricciardo racing for Red Bull Racing and finished a P4 and P5 respectively. At the time Max was racing for Toro Rosso and finished in P8, one place above his now teammate Sergio Pérez.

The 2016 race saw Daniel take P3 and claim the Team’s first podium in Mexico. The following year, Max came into his own. He qualified in P2 behind Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel but was able to get in front of him by turn two. Max never looked back and took the chequered flag, making it the third win of his career.

In 2018 Max had an almost identical race, he started in P2 but pole position-holder Ricciardo got off to a bad start giving Max the lead, which he kept until the end. For 2019 Max qualified on pole but was given a three-place grid penalty for failing to slow down under yellow flags. During the race, he was only able to bring his RB15 home in P6, just behind teammate Alex Albon.