Niki Lauda’s ‘very special’ gesture towards Sergio Perez made him part of the Ferrari ‘family’

Follow us on Google Discover

Sergio Perez’s Formula 1 career very nearly came to an abrupt end during the 2020 season, following a career-best year for Racing Point.

Unfortunately, after signing Sebastian Vettel for their new era as the Aston Martin outfit for 2021, he got left out. With few seats left, Red Bull were one of the last options.

They took a gamble on Perez, fresh off the back of a heroic maiden comeback victory at the Sakhir Grand Prix, as he reminded the world of his talents at the perfect time.

After years of grafting at the Force India outfit, he finally received an opportunity worthy of his skill and went on to help Red Bull win the drivers’ championship in 2021.

Valtteri Bottas will score more points than Sergio Perez for Cadillac in 2026 – Change our minds

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

Perez could have signed for Ferrari earlier in his career, but they wanted to wait until 2014 to put him in their car, while McLaren offered a gig for 2013.

Looking back, that was a mistake, but Perez’s nightmare is behind him now as he returns to Formula 1 with Cadillac in 2026. He isn’t done just yet and feels he has plenty to give.

READ MORE: How Sergio Perez’s Cadillac test times in old Ferrari F1 car compare to Charles Leclerc

Niki Lauda took his cap off for Sergio Perez in ‘very special’ moment at the 2012 Italian Grand Prix

Although Perez is excited to return, spending 12 months away won’t have done him too many favours. It’s going to take some time for him to get back in the groove.

2026 marks his 15th campaign, but he still remembers what life was like earlier on during his Sauber days. One moment at the 2012 Italian Grand Prix, where he finished second, sticks in his memory.

“Yes, Niki [Lauda] is an example for all drivers, isn’t he? He always was a great example,” he told the Oso Trava podcast. “And it was a race at Monza, I think I started 14th, and it was when the tyres were very worn, and I almost won the race.

“I finished second, about three seconds behind Hamilton. He had a great race. He [Lauda] was a Ferrari driver. I beat the Ferraris in Italy. I was in the Ferrari Driver Academy, so at that time, normally, when you beat Ferrari drivers you’re not very popular in Italy.

“Especially with Alonso fighting for the championship at that time, had a super race, and Niki Lauda took off his cap, handed me the trophy, and took off his cap in front of me,” Perez continued.

“For me, this was a very special moment in my career, because doing it in Italy, in front of all the Tifosi, all the Tifosi were happy for me. That I had beaten them, they saw me as part of their family.”

READ MORE: Cadillac CEO reveals how Sergio Perez convinced him not to sign a young driver alongside Valtteri Bottas

Why Sergio Perez made the wrong career choice during the 2012 Formula 1 season

Perez has a ‘special’ clause in his Cadillac contract, which could see him benefit from merchandise sales over the next few years.

But he hasn’t always made savvy career choices. Back in 2012, opting to wait before moving to Ferrari would have been a wiser choice.

Although their car was slow in 2014, he would’ve had the excuse that their car was poor that season, likely extending his stay with them into 2015, when they were capable of winning races.

Instead, going to McLaren, which only lasted a year, set him back for a very long time, as he went on to spend six years with Force India and Racing Point before landing at Red Bull.