© Markus BergerCheco On That Winning FeelingSergio talks about his amazing maiden win – 190 races after his debut!
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Checo started the race in fifth place and quickly moved his way into fourth, however, his race soon took a backward step when a three-way battle between himself, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Max ended in contact. Heading into turn four, Leclerc late braked and made contact with Checo, causing him to spin. The crash ended Leclerc’s race with a damaged front suspension, as well as Max who had collateral damage in the incident. Checo, however, was able to re-join the race in last place.
The Three-Way Battle At The Start© Vladimir Rys
The safety car was deployed and Checo pitted for a fresh set of tyres, but, as the back of his helmet says, “Never give up,” he fully embraced that mantra. The Mexican was soon up to tenth position by lap 20 and on the charge. After a second pit stop for new rubber, he was now positioned in ninth. However, the team’s strategy was soon to pay off when on lap 54 the virtual safety car (VSC) was deployed and Checo opted not to pit, meaning he was now in third.
On lap 62 the second VSC was deployed and race leader George Russell (who was driving for Mercedes in place of a COVID-stricken Lewis Hamilton) opted to pit along with Valtteri Bottas. However, a mix up with tyres meant the team had to recall Russell to the pits and change tyres again.
Checo was now in the lead and held his nerve until the chequered flag was waved at the end of the 87-lap race. In this magnificent feat Checo became the first Mexican to win a Formula One race for over 50 years.
It’s safe to say a lot has happened in the four months since Checo took his first victory, but talking to the Mexican driver ahead of the 2021 season opener, you can tell that win still means everything to him. “It felt great, I finally have the first win in my pocket after so many years. It’s a moment I will never forget in my life. It means a lot to me and my family, it’s a very nice moment.”
It was one of the most frenetic races of last season, and you wouldn’t blame anyone for losing focus with everything that happened, but Checo is a true professional and ensured he wasn’t distracted. “I just kept my focus on the race, I always want to finish on a high and I always try to make sure I bring the car home.”
Checo keeps his cool when reminiscing about his maiden win, but there is still emotion in his voice when he relives being on the top step of the podium. Hardly surprising he shed a few tears whilst on the podium. “Oh yeah, once you start to hear your national anthem, see your country’s flag and see that everyone is so happy for you, it’s a very special moment in your life, I waited 10 years for that moment,” explains Checo. “Those moments make you remember why you’re in the sport, why you love the sport in the first place and what it’s all about –winning.”
Sergio On The Podium© Getty Images
When Checo stepped down from the podium with the champagne still stinging his eyes, it was time for a phone call. “I called my whole family at the same time to share with them my emotions, they were as happy as I was, it was very enjoyable.”
But Checo does have one word of advice for young drivers who plan to make it in F1 – don’t give your mobile phone number out to everyone! “So many people got in touch who I didn’t even know were following my career, I was actually surprised how many people had my phone number at the time. When you win, you realise how many people in the world follow Formula One!”
This weekend Checo will be hoping to emulate this incredible moment and make more memories in his F1 career, however this time he’ll be hoping to do it in the colours of Red Bull.
