The world of Formula 1 is known for its high-octane races, intense rivalries, and a brutal, meritocratic ladder where only the strongest survive. In recent years, the rapid rise of Franco Colapinto, an ambitious young driver from Argentina, has taken the F1 world by storm. His meteoric ascent through the ranks culminated in what many are now calling the “end of an era”—the downfall of Sergio Michel “Checo” Pérez Mendoza, one of Mexico’s greatest racing exports. But how did Colapinto’s rise coincide with the dramatic decline of Checo Pérez’s once illustrious career? This is a story of youth, talent, and the relentless pace of change in Formula 1.
Checo Pérez: From Underdog to F1 Stalwart
Sergio Pérez, fondly known as “Checo,” has been a stalwart of Formula 1 for over a decade. After making his debut in 2011 with Sauber, the Mexican driver quickly garnered attention for his ability to conserve tyres, pull off daring overtakes, and achieve podiums in cars that were often not seen as frontrunners. Throughout his career, Checo became a symbol of resilience, working his way up from midfield teams to one of the top seats at Red Bull Racing, where he served as a crucial ally to Max Verstappen during the Dutchman’s dominance in the 2020s.
However, by the 2024 season, Pérez’s form began to waver. Despite his vast experience, inconsistencies crept into his performances. He struggled to match the relentless pace of Verstappen and fend off the new wave of younger, hungrier drivers. After finishing far behind Verstappen in several races, the whispers of his potential exit from Formula 1 grew louder. Little did anyone expect that his replacement would come from the most unlikely of sources: a young Argentine rookie who had yet to even step foot in an F1 car.
Franco Colapinto: The New Kid on the Block
Enter Franco Colapinto. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Colapinto had always been a prodigy in the world of motorsport. Starting his career in karting at a young age, he quickly established himself as one of the most promising drivers in single-seater racing, clinching championships and accolades in Formula 4 and Formula Regional before moving up to Formula 3. His raw talent, combined with steely determination, earned him praise from both fans and pundits alike.
By 2023, Colapinto was making headlines in Formula 2, showcasing an ability to win races and put in consistent performances, even under immense pressure. It was clear that the Argentinian was destined for greater things. While many believed he was a future F1 star, few expected his arrival to be so sudden—or so devastating for a veteran like Pérez.
The Turning Point: Red Bull’s Search for the Future
The 2024 Formula 1 season became a pivotal moment for Red Bull Racing. While Max Verstappen continued to dominate, the team’s patience with Checo Pérez was wearing thin. Pérez’s struggles to consistently deliver podium finishes and challenge for wins, particularly in a car as dominant as the Red Bull RB20, became a concern. Red Bull, notorious for being ruthless in its driver lineup decisions, was reportedly looking at its next generation of talent.
Franco Colapinto’s remarkable performances in Formula 2 caught the eye of Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s chief talent scout. Marko, known for making bold and often controversial decisions, saw in Colapinto the same spark he had once identified in drivers like Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel. Colapinto’s ability to handle pressure, coupled with his aggressive racing style, was exactly what Red Bull needed as they looked to secure a successor for Pérez.
The decision to test Colapinto in a Red Bull F1 car at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Young Drivers’ Test proved to be the turning point. Colapinto not only impressed the team with his lap times but also with his feedback, adaptability, and mature approach. Despite his young age, he exhibited the qualities Red Bull sought in a driver who could consistently support Verstappen and, perhaps more importantly, challenge him when the time came.
The Announcement: Colapinto In, Pérez Out
In late 2024, rumours began circulating that Red Bull was considering replacing Pérez for the 2025 season. While Checo had been a reliable team player and helped Verstappen secure multiple titles by playing the support role, the team was looking for someone who could push Verstappen harder and secure even more dominant team performances. At 34, Pérez was no longer seen as the future, while Colapinto, at just 21, represented the next generation.
The bombshell dropped in early November 2024: Red Bull officially announced that Franco Colapinto would be joining the team for the 2025 season, effectively ending Sergio Pérez’s tenure with the team—and, as it turns out, his Formula 1 career.
For many fans, the announcement was bittersweet. Pérez, beloved by fans worldwide for his perseverance, humility, and hard-fought victories, was leaving the sport in a manner that felt abrupt and, to some, unfair. However, Formula 1 has always been a sport where talent trumps sentiment, and Red Bull’s decision reflected that hard reality.
A Brutal Business: The Reality of F1
While Pérez’s exit might seem harsh, it underscores the brutal nature of Formula 1. The sport has never been kind to ageing drivers, especially in teams with championship ambitions like Red Bull. Once a driver starts to show signs of slowing down, the sharks begin to circle, and young talents like Colapinto are always waiting for their moment.
Colapinto’s arrival marks a shift in Red Bull’s strategy. No longer content with having a “number two” driver to support Verstappen, the team is betting on a young, ambitious driver who could push Verstappen to new heights—or even replace him as the team’s star driver in the future. This move speaks to Red Bull’s long-term planning as they look to secure their dominance beyond Verstappen’s peak years.
The irony of it all is that Pérez, who once stepped in to bring stability and support to a team in need of a reliable second driver, has now been cast aside in favour of a younger talent who represents Red Bull’s future ambitions. As Formula 1 continues to evolve, Pérez’s story serves as a reminder that no one, no matter how experienced or successful, is immune to the ruthless demands of the sport.
The Reactions: A Divided Fanbase
The news of Pérez’s exit has deeply divided the Formula 1 community. Many Mexican and Latin American fans, who see Pérez as a trailblazer and an inspiration, have expressed outrage at the decision. Checo’s victory at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix, his consistent podiums, and his hard-fought role in helping Red Bull win constructors’ championships have solidified his place as one of the sport’s most respected drivers. His exit, for many, feels like the end of an era, leaving a void that may be hard to fill.
On the other hand, Colapinto’s arrival has generated excitement, particularly among fans eager to see new talent rise to the challenge. Colapinto represents a new generation of drivers who are fearless, aggressive, and hungry for success. Many are curious to see how he will fare alongside Verstappen, who has been nearly untouchable in recent seasons.
The Future of Pérez and Colapinto
As the dust settles, the question remains: What does the future hold for both drivers? For Sergio Pérez, his Formula 1 career may be over, but his legacy is secure. He remains one of the most successful Mexican drivers in history and has earned respect for his resilience and tenacity. It’s possible that Pérez could explore other avenues in motorsport, such as endurance racing or Formula E, where his experience and skill would still be highly valued.
For Franco Colapinto, the future is filled with promise—and pressure. As he steps into one of the most coveted and demanding seats in Formula 1, all eyes will be on the young Argentine to see if he can live up to the hype. Can he challenge Verstappen, or will he be another casualty of Red Bull’s cutthroat driver policy?
One thing is certain: Colapinto’s arrival has ended one chapter and begun another, and the story of how Franco Colapinto ended Checo Pérez’s Formula 1 career will be remembered as a defining moment in the sport’s ever-evolving landscape.