Credit: MLB
F1 driver and six-time Grand Prix winner Sergio "Checo" Perez threw out the ceremonial first pitch on September 17, before the LA Dodgers' MLB match against the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium. He was given the opportunity as part of Mexican Heritage Month and the week of Mexican Independence Day. Checo is a prominent name in the F1 domain as he has registered more than 30 podium finishes over his career. Currently, he is Mexico’s one of the most revered celebrities. The 35-year-old hit the headlines in August, when he announced that he would ally with the 10-time Grand Prix winner Valtteri Bottas to join the Cadillac Formula 1 Team for the 2026 season.
Checo, during his visit to the Dodger Stadium, took a tour of the Dodger clubhouse, watched the home team’s batting practice, and also swapped his F1 helmet with the Dodgers' team’s MLB jersey before taking the mound. Before the match, Checo also spent time with the media in the Dodger interview room.
Max Verstappen happy for Sergio Checo Perez for the new assignment
Dutch racer Max Verstappen, who was Perez’s teammate at Red Bull from 2021 to 2024, is happy for Sergio’s upcoming journey with the Cadillac Formula 1 Team. He said, “When I saw the news come out, I sent a message to him. Of course [I’m] very happy for him that he got a seat.”
Perez was left without a seat in 2025 after his struggle with Red Bull last year. His debacle resulted in both parties agreeing to break alliance with immediate effect at the end of the 2024 season. In the past, Perez has served with the likes of McLaren, Force India, and Red Bull.
