Sergio Perez's father faces fan backlash for 'homophobic' comments against former F1 driver
Sergio Perez's father, Antonio Perez Garibay, was recently criticized by F1 fans after his homophobic comments against former F1 driver, Ralf Schumacher. Antonio's harsh comments came after Schumacher's criticism of Checo's performance and his future in Red Bull.
Throughout the 2024 F1 season, many people in the F1 paddock have questioned Perez's performance, especially compared to other top drivers and his teammate, Max Verstappen. The Mexican has struggled to keep up with other top drivers and currently stands in eighth place in the drivers' championship with 151 points.
Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher was one of the pundits who criticized Checo's performance and questioned his future with Red Bull in the past. Checo's father, Antonio Perez Garibay furiously responded to the German's prediction about his son's future in F1.
Speaking on ESPN's Racing podcast on YouTube, Sergio Perez's father hinted at a journalist who predicted Checo's future at Red Bull and came out of the closet later on. This was a direct hint that he was talking about Ralf Schumacher.
Antonio Perez then joked that Schumacher could have been in love with Sergio Perez. He also added that the German must be confused about his sexuality and also his profession.
“There was a former Formula 1 driver [Ralf Schumacher]. The journalist first declared that Checo was already out of Red Bull and the following week he came out of the closet. I don’t know if he was in love with Checo, if you understand me. There are many strange things. He no longer know if he’s a journalist, a woman or a man,” Antonio Perez said at 7:10.
Many F1 fans were disgusted by Sergio Perez's father's comments on Ralf Schumacher. They labeled him as homophobic and even transphobic. People were shocked to see him spew such words on an official public podcast.
"So this is Checo's dad being fully homophobic in the media," one fan wrote.
"Transphobic too," another added.
"I can't understand he's allowed to say this kind of things on a public podcast. nobody reacted to his words on the spot???" another criticized.
Some defended Sergio Perez and discussed that they should not think badly of the Mexican driver because of his father's actions. One mentioned that many Mexicans dislike Antonio Perez, while another fan claimed that even Checo keeps his distance from his father.
"Dude most Mexicans don’t even like Checo’s dad. There’s no reason to judge a driver because of his dad," one follower added.
"Yeah Checo fans don't claim him, and have criticized this, but you don't follow Checo enough to know even he distances himself from his dad most of the time. So people being disgusting like Checo himself said this, are u ok? I bet everyone in your family is perfect," another added.
Sergio Perez's father addresses rumors about his son's future in F1
According to Antonio Perez Garibay, his son, Sergio Perez, does not have any plans to retire from F1. Speaking on the ESPN Racing podcast, Antonio praised Red Bull for being professional and working on Max Verstappen's car while also helping Checo in any way possible.
He then talked about his son's future, saying that he intends to stay in F1 for at least two years and that he wants to retire directly from Red Bull.
“Red Bull is the most professional team at the moment, the World Champion team. They are doing what is necessary to return, not only with Checo’s car but with Max Verstappen’s car," Perez Sr. said at 6:15.
“He will be here for the next two years. He has said it, he plans to retire with Red Bull, he was given the opportunity,” he added.
As of now, Sergio Perez has a contract with Red Bull till the end of 2025.