A Formula 1 driver celebrated Maduro's capture: 'Venezuela is free'

The arrest of Nicolás Maduro by the United States continues to generate repercussions at a global level and sports has once again become one of the sounding boards for the political impact. In recent hours, different figures have spoken out publicly and one of the voices that joined in was that of Sergio "Checo" Pérez.

The Mexican driver, who will return to Formula 1 in 2026 with Cadillac after a sabbatical year, used his social media to express his position. Through an Instagram story, the driver from Guadalajara sent a direct message to the Venezuelan people.

"Venezuelan brothers, I send you a hug with great affection, you are an example that faith is never lost! My prayers are with all of you! Free Venezuela", Pérez wrote this Saturday on his @schecoperez account, in a post that quickly went viral.

The message from the former Red Bull driver came a few hours after the Mexican government, headed by President Claudia Sheinbaum, released an official statement in which it condemned the military operation ordered by Donald Trump and requested the immediate intervention of the United Nations.

Checo Pérez's position thus stood in contrast to the institutional stance of his country, fueling debate on social media. Meanwhile, the mood among many Venezuelans, both inside the country and in the diaspora, is one of celebration and expectation in the face of the new political scenario that is opening up after the capture of the leader.