Red Bull Formula 1 driver Sergio Perez has publicly rebuked his father, Antonio Perez Garibay, for comments he made regarding former F1 driver turned Sky Sports Germany pundit Ralf Schumacher.
Garibay’s remarks, perceived as homophobic, were made after Schumacher critiqued Perez’s recent performances at Red Bull Racing. The Mexican driver swiftly distanced himself from his father’s comments, clearly stating:
“First of all, I don’t agree with any of his comments.
“I think he did a mistake in that regard. I don’t share any of his views but at the same time I don’t control what my father has to say, I can only control what I say.”
Checo condemned his father’s homophobic comments towards Ralf Schumacher: “First of all, I don’t agree with any of his comments.”
“I think he did a mistake in that regard. I don’t share any of his views but at the same time I don’t control what my father has to say, I can only… pic.twitter.com/7ZpRGai77d
— checo news (@scheconews) November 21, 2024
Garibay suggested that Schumacher’s public disclosure of his sexuality coincided with his negative comments about Perez’s future at Red Bull, stating:
“There is a driver who was a Formula 1 driver, [turned] journalist. He first stated that Checo was already out of Red Bull. The following week, [Schumacher] came out of the closet.
Chris Graythen/Getty Images
“I don’t know if he was in love with Checo. Do you understand it? There are many strange things.”
Ralf Schumacher, who revealed his same-sex relationship with partner Etienne Bousquet-Cassagne earlier this year, handled the situation with composure. Responding to the comments, Schumacher exhibited empathy rather than anger.
“I would also stand behind my son 100 percent and try to help. That is what you do as a father. As for the style, I would be different but we know Mr. Perez with all his emotions.
“That is why I am not angry with him. However, I believe that results on the track would be the better argument.”
Schumacher’s announcement in July 2024 about his relationship marked a significant personal milestone. Following the dissolution of his marriage to Cora Schumacher in 2014, he introduced Bousquet-Cassagne on Instagram, receiving a flood of support but also a sprinkling of negative reactions.
This comes amid intense scrutiny on Perez’s performance in the 2024 F1 season. Currently eighth in the drivers’ standings, Perez grapples with the challenges of maintaining his place in Red Bull Racing, shadowed by rumors of prospective replacements wanting a position in the team for the upcoming seasons.
Wider motorsport circles condemned Garibay’s comments as homophobic, sparking a debate about the portrayal and treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals within the community. However, Perez’s recent comments on his father’s remarks have drawn praise from the motorsport community.
Perez is preparing for the final three races of the F1 season starting with the Las Vegas Grand Prix this weekend.