Formula 1: How did Sergio Perez almost become a soccer player?

Born on January 26, 1990, Sergio Perez is a Mexican racing driver who has previously driven for Sauber, McLaren, Force India, and Racing Point for the formula one for Red Bull Racing. At the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix, he won his first Formula One Grand Prix.

He has become the first Mexican driver in Formula 1 afterHector Rebaque in 1981.He won his first podium at the 2012 Malaysian Grand Prix, and thus, he became the first Mexican to do so in more than 40 years.

Perez was revealed onDecember 18,2020, as Red Bull driver and a partner to Max Verstappen for the 2021 Formula 1 season. However, things could have turned out very differently, as he could have becomea soccer player instead of a racingdriver.

Sergio Perez (left) of Mexico meets Chilean football legend Ivan Zamorano (right). (Getty)

How did Sergio Perez almost become a soccer player?

Before starting a karting career that led him to become a Formula 1 driver, Sergio Perez almost opted to try a career in soccer. It is well known that Sergio and his brother as very close friends with Mexican soccer international, Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez.However, unlike Chicharito, Perez chosekarting and was successful at an early age in his native Mexico.

When asked if he enjoys another sport, he said: “My soccer team. I have my own soccer team with friends. It is pretty professional! When I am back in Mexico I spend a lot of time with the team. I think I can say that I am a good player – a good striker!”

Also, when he was asked about hisideal non-race Sunday, the Mexican driver replied:”Spending the morning soccer football. Then go to church and have a good lunch with the family.”