Formula 1 drama took a personal turn ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix after Antonio Pérez Garibay, father of Red Bull driver Sergio Pérez, made inflammatory comments about former F1 driver-turned-pundit Ralf Schumacher, who recently announced his same-sex relationship. The remarks, laced with insinuations and personal jabs, have sparked outrage and prompted swift responses from both Schumacher and Pérez Jr.
“Perez Jr. Distances Himself from Father’s Comments”
Speaking to Sky Sports, Sergio Pérez condemned his father’s comments, calling them a “mistake” and stressing that he does not share his views.
“I don’t agree with any of his comments,” Pérez said. “I think he made 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.”
The Mexican driver emphasized the importance of separating on-track rivalries from personal matters and called on the sport to set a better example.
“Whatever happens on track always remains on track. We should always be an example for the rest of the world,” Pérez added.
“Schumacher Responds with Grace and Precision”
Ralf Schumacher, who won six Grand Prix races during his F1 career and is the brother of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, responded on Instagram. While gracious, Schumacher made it clear that he felt Perez Sr.’s comments were inappropriate.
“I would also stand behind my son 100% and try to help. That’s how you do it as a father,” Schumacher said. “Regarding the style, I would be different, but we know Mr. Pérez with all his emotions. That’s why I’m not mad at him. However, I think the track results would be the better arguments.”
Schumacher subtly pointed out Pérez’s struggles in the championship this season, with the Red Bull driver sitting eighth in the standings—far behind his teammate Max Verstappen, who is on the brink of securing his fourth consecutive title.
“The Comments That Sparked the Backlash”
Perez Sr.’s original remarks, made to ESPN, raised eyebrows not just for their tone but also for their insinuations about Schumacher’s personal life.
“There’s a driver who was a Formula 1 driver, turned journalist. He first stated that Checo was already out of Red Bull. The following week, he came out of the closet,” Pérez Sr. said.
“I don’t know if he was in love with Checo. Do you understand it? There are many strange things. You no longer know if he is a journalist, a woman, a gentleman. But his opinion doesn’t matter.”
The comments included a reference to Schumacher’s ex-wife, further escalating the personal nature of the attack.
“A Time of Struggles for Pérez”
While Max Verstappen is on the verge of clinching his fourth drivers’ championship in Las Vegas, Sergio Pérez is grappling with a difficult season. The Mexican driver hasn’t scored points since Austin in October, and his performance has been under scrutiny, including sharp critiques from Schumacher in his punditry role.
Pérez’s dismissal of his father’s remarks reflects an effort to maintain professionalism amid a challenging period both on and off the track.
“The Bigger Picture: Setting an Example in F1”
This controversy raises broader questions about the personal boundaries and responsibilities of public figures in the highly scrutinized world of Formula 1. While Pérez Sr.’s emotional defense of his son is understandable, the nature of his remarks has been widely criticized as crossing the line.
As tensions simmer on and off the track, all eyes will be on Las Vegas this weekend—not just for the championship battle but also to see how Pérez responds under immense pressure. Whether this episode will serve as a turning point for the driver or add further strain to an already difficult season remains to be seen.