Oscar Piastri and Sergio Pérez share what it is like to reach Formula 1 as non-European drivers. Both drivers had to leave their home countries early to pursue their dream of racing in the top class. According to Pérez, this is the biggest obstacle for emerging racing talent from outside Europe: ‘I think the path to Formula 1 is definitely easier for a European driver’.
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Oscar Piastri and Sergio Pérez are two of the seven current non-European drivers on the grid in 2026. For both the Australian and the Mexican, this meant leaving their home countries early in their motorsport careers to continue the path to Formula 1. According to Pérez, this is the biggest obstacle for young drivers.
“Well, I think the path to Formula 1 is definitely easier for a European driver because they live in Europe,” the Mexican Cadillac driver told the media in Miami. “If you don’t come from Europe, you are the one who has to come here at a very young age, and there are other factors involved.” Many of the current Formula 1 teams are based in Europe, especially in the United Kingdom.
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Once a driver reaches Formula 1, however, the chances are equal again, according to Pérez. “Once you are in Formula 1, I think everyone has the same chances. And as you know, in Formula 1 it depends so much on how things go and at what stage of your career you are with your team; if you are in the right place at the right time, you will be very successful,” the driver added. “I think there have been very successful drivers in this sport who were not Europeans, so I think the main difference is the lead-up to Formula 1.”
‘Only driver from our country on the grid’
Piastri – who himself moved from Australia to Europe during his junior career – agreed with Pérez. “The path to F1, moving to Europe as a child, is probably the biggest challenge,” said the McLaren driver. “I think once you are racing in F1, you have some unique things in a way. For example, Checo and I are the only drivers from our country on the grid. That of course has positive sides, but the path to F1 is definitely more challenging. Some tough decisions have to be made. But once you are there, it is the same challenge for everyone to be in the right place at the right time and show that you are the best.”
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