WATCH NOW
Watch on the app
With Only One Latino on the Grid, What’s Next for Latin America in F1?
The world of Formula 1 has always had legendary Latino drivers who have left an indelible mark on the sport. From multiple world champions to fearless underdogs, Latin America has contributed some of the most iconic figures in F1 history. However, today, we’re witnessing a shift, as for the first time in many years, Latino representation on the grid appears to be dwindling.
As the 2025 F1 season kicked off on March 15 at the Australian Grand Prix, there was one significant absence that fans couldn’t help but notice: Sergio “Checo” Pérez. The Mexican driver, who had been the second driver for Red Bull Racing since 2021, was dropped from the team at the end of 2024, leaving him without a seat for the new season.
A few months back, Checo Pérez was still battling it out at the front of the F1 grid, racing alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull. Even though he helped the team secure multiple Constructors’ Championships and finished as runner-up in the 2023 season, his stint with the Austrian team came to an unexpected end.
Ver esta publicación en Instagram
In December 2024, Red Bull announced that they were parting ways with Checo a year sooner than anticipated. His contract had been set to last until the end of 2025, but the team made the surprising call to replace him with Liam Lawson.
This left the 34-year-old Mexican driver without a seat for the 2025 season. While there were rumors about possible moves to other teams, nothing materialized in time, and for now, Checo is out of F1. This marks the first time since 2018 that there won’t be a Mexican driver on the grid.
Are There Any Latinos in F1 Today?
With Checo gone, the number of Latin American drivers in Formula 1 has drastically decreased. But there are still some new faces keeping the legacy alive.
Currently, the only full-time Latino driver in F1 is the Brazilian rookie Gabriel Bortoleto. Having clinched the 2023 FIA Formula 3 championship, he made his F1 debut at the Australian Grand Prix with Kick Sauber (formerly Alfa Romeo). At just 20 years old, he symbolizes the rise of the next wave of South American talent in the racing world.
Ver esta publicación en Instagram
Franco Colapinto made a brief appearance in Formula 1 during the 2024 season when he stepped in for Logan Sargeant at Williams for the last races. While he won’t have a full-time spot in 2025, he’s staying involved as Alpine’s official reserve driver. This means if any of the Alpine drivers can’t race, Colapinto might have another chance to join the lineup.
Latino F1 Legends: The Best of All Time
Even though the current grid doesn’t have as many Latino stars as before, history shows that Latin America has produced some of the best drivers in Formula 1. Here’s a look at the legends who left their mark on the sport:
Ayrton Senna (Brazil)
No driver in F1 history has captured the hearts of fans quite like Ayrton Senna. The Brazilian legend won three World Championships (1988, 1990, 1991) and became famous for his raw speed, aggressive driving, and unmatched ability in the rain. His rivalry with Alain Prost is one of the most famous in F1 history, but beyond the competition, Senna was also a beloved figure for his humility and passion for his country. Tragically, his life was cut short in a crash at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, but his legacy lives on.
Ver esta publicación en Instagram
Juan Manuel Fangio (Argentina)
Considered by many as one of the greatest drivers of all time, Juan Manuel Fangio dominated the early years of F1. He secured five World Championships between 1951 and 1957, a record that stood for nearly 50 years until Michael Schumacher broke it. Fangio was known for his precision, skill, and ability to adapt to different teams, winning titles with Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, and Ferrari. His 24 race wins and 29 pole positions cemented his legacy as an F1 icon.
Nelson Piquet (Brazil)
Another Brazilian legend, Nelson Piquet, was a three-time World Champion (1981, 1983, and 1987). He played a pivotal role in the dominance of teams like Brabham and Williams. Renowned for his technical acumen with cars, Piquet was a brilliant strategist, often outsmarting his opponents rather than merely outdriving them. With 23 race wins and 24 pole positions, Piquet remains one of the most successful South American drivers in F1 history.
Emerson Fittipaldi (Brazil)
Before Senna and Piquet, there was Emerson Fittipaldi. The Brazilian driver snagged two F1 World Championships in 1972 and 1974 and later became a legend in American motorsports, winning the Indy 500 twice. Fittipaldi was a trailblazer for Brazilian drivers in F1 and helped pave the way for future generations.
Ver esta publicación en Instagram
Juan Pablo Montoya (Colombia)
Colombia’s greatest F1 driver, Juan Pablo Montoya, might not have snagged a World Championship, but his impact on the sport was immense. He competed in F1 from 2001 to 2006, winning seven races and landing on the podium 30 times. Montoya was renowned for his fearless driving style and his epic battles with Michael Schumacher. After leaving F1, he had a successful career in NASCAR and IndyCar.
Pedro Rodríguez de la Vega (Mexico)
Mexico’s first F1 driver, Pedro Rodríguez, raced from 1963 to 1971, winning two Grand Prix races. While he didn’t achieve massive success in F1, his fearless approach to racing earned him the respect of fans and fellow drivers. Sadly, Rodríguez lost his life in a racing accident in 1971 at just 31 years old, but he remains a legend in Mexican motorsports.
View this post on Instagram
Pastor Maldonado (Venezuela)
Venezuela’s only F1 race winner, Pastor Maldonado, made history in 2012 by winning the Spanish Grand Prix for Williams. His time in F1 (2011-2015) was filled with ups and downs: he was incredibly fast but also had a reputation for crashing frequently. Even though his career was short-lived, Maldonado’s victory remains one of the biggest surprises in modern F1 history.
View this post on Instagram
The Future of Latinos in F1
With Checo Pérez stepping away from the sport, the presence of Latino drivers in F1 has taken a hit. But with young talents like Gabriel Bortoleto and Franco Colapinto climbing the ranks, there’s hope that Latin America will soon have another star on the grid.
For now, fans will have to wait and see if Checo can make a comeback in 2026 or if a new driver will rise to carry the Latino legacy forward. However, Latin America has always produced great drivers, and it’s only a matter of time before we see another champion emerge.
for the latest updates from LatiNation