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Before F1, racecar star ‘Checo’ pregamed at a new Miami hot spot

Driver Sergio Perez addresses the media after announcing his return to Formula 1 in a press conference at Teatro Telcel on August 27, 2025 in Mexico City, Mexico. Sergio "Checo" Perez will join Cadillac Formula 1 Team in 2026 as one of the drivers alongside Valtteri Botas. Perez has raced for 14 seasons as part of Sauber, Force India, Racing Point and Red Bull teams. (Photo by Agustin Cuevas/Getty Images)
Driver Sergio Perez addresses the media after announcing his return to Formula 1 in a press conference at Teatro Telcel on August 27, 2025 in Mexico City, Mexico. Getty Images

Mexican Formula One legend Sergio “Checo” Pérez is back in action.

The speed demon, 36, is competing in the Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix Sunday at Miami International Autodrome at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.

With the clock ticking before hitting the race with the all-new Cadillac team, Checo was spotted dining out Wednesday night with Related Group chair Jorge Pérez at Brickell Key’s newest hot spot, The Mexican.

The stunning, 10,000-square-foot waterside destination has a sister in Dallas, which was named one of the most beautiful restaurants in the world by Unesco. The local one is no slouch, either. Envision limestone archways, floor to ceiling windows and gold accents everywhere.

We weren’t told the men’s orders, but specialties of the house include shareable dishes like crispy pork belly, braised octopus and chicharrón de ribeye (a fancier version of fried steak). If they didn’t partake in one of the multiple margarita offerings, we’d be surprised.

Random fact about the two dining companions: Earlier this year, Checo purchased a four-bedroom, five-bathroom condo at one of Perez’s luxe properties, The St. Regis Residences at 1809 Brickell Ave. Completion is set for 2027.

The former Red Bull driver’s 4,400-square-foot crash pad offers sweeping views of Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Nope, no “Days of Thunder” style track is on premises, but the 50-story tower has other top-notch amenities, like a private marina, world-class spa, and (yes) butler service.

Madeleine Marr
Miami Herald
Celebrity/real time news reporter Madeleine Marr has been with The Miami Herald since 2003. She has covered such features as travel, fashion and food. In 2007, she helped launch the newspaper’s daily People Page, attending red carpet events, awards ceremonies and press junkets; interviewing some of the biggest names in show business; and hosting her own online show. She is originally from New York City.
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