Red Bull’s Sergio Perez, not only showcased his racing prowess at the Las Vegas Grand Prix but also unveiled his choices for a vibrant night out. The co-owner of the $5 billion Patron Tequila brand, Checo, known for his tequila enthusiasm, selected fellow Spanish-speaking drivers Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso for a post-race celebration.
As LeBron James has ventured into the tequila industry, Sergio Perez, hailing from the same continent, also showed his business acumen by partnering with Patron Tequila in 2022. This investment aligns with the trend of sports personalities diving into the world of spirits. It’s a trend of merging their sporting fame with entrepreneurial ventures.
Sergio Perez explains why he would choose the Spaniards for the celebration night
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In 2023, the 33-year-old Mexican expanded his tequila portfolio. He collaborated with Bacardi on a special edition tin for the renowned Patrón silver expression. The 2023 Mexican Heritage Tin, the eighth edition of this tradition, serves as a visual ode to his homeland, passions, and loved ones. Today, Patrón stands as one of the world’s top-selling tequila brands, with approximately 3 million cases sold annually.
Finishing the Las Vegas GP in an impressive third place, the Red Bull driver secured second place in the overall driver’s standings, a testament to his skill and determination on the track. The revelation of Perez’s choice of post-race companions came during a playful segment on Red Bull Racing’s Instagram. When asked to name two drivers for a celebratory night out, Checo didn’t hesitate. He opted for the camaraderie of the two Spaniards Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso.
With a touch of humor, he explained, “I will pick the Spanish-speaking… After some tequilas, it’s really hard to speak English,” Hinting that his post-race celebrations might involve a few shots of probably his own tequila brand.
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While the Mexican basks in the celebratory spirit, a contrasting narrative unfolds within the F1 community. The Las Vegas GP witnessed Sergio Perez being criticized for his driving performance. Some went as far as stating that a mistake made by Perez was worse “than a 13-year-old” racer.
READ MORE: Unhappy Sergio Perez Shown Silver Lining as Worrying Battle Against Lewis Hamilton Finally Ends
Checo gets schooled by the racing community after failing to hold back Charles Leclerc on the final lap
While Perez’s night-out plans added a touch of glamour to the post-race festivities, the Grand Prix wasn’t without its challenges for the Red Bull driver. Despite a podium finish, criticism loomed as he faced a barrage of comments regarding his driving performance.
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Richard Bradley, a Le Mans winner, minced no words on the On Track GP podcast, stating that Perez’s driving mistakes were akin to errors one might expect from a 13-year-old, not a seasoned Formula 1 driver. Sergio Perez, who took the lead with 15 laps to go, faced challenges from both Max Verstappen and Ferrari’s star driver, Charles Leclerc. Although the Dutchman served a five-second penalty during his pitstop, he effortlessly overtook Checo. This positioned Red Bull for a potential 1-2 finish. The final lap brought further drama as the 26-year-old Monegasque driver seized the opportunity, making a daring move to claim second place from the Mexican.
“That shouldn’t be happening when you’re 13 years old, let alone when you’re in Formula One,” commented Bradley on Checo’s performance. “Why on earth didn’t he even move to the inside? You just park your car on the inside. It’s very similar to what Max did when he overtook Leclerc,” he concluded.
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So, what do you think about the last lap slip-up from Checo? Was it just an honest mistake to not close the inside line? Or did the pressure get the better of him? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.