Sergio Perez's father launches attack on "lying journalists" for reporting the driver's impending exit from Red Bull
Red Bull driver Sergio Perez's father Antonio Perez Garibay did not mince his words as he seemingly called out the F1 journalists for reporting on the Mexican driver's impending exit at the end of the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Several reports are swirling in the paddock that the six-time race winner would depart the Austrian team post the race in the Yas Marina Circuit.
The 34-year-old has been under severe pressure ever since his mid-season dip in the form that he has failed to recover. However, after the Qatar Grand Prix, despite signing a contract extension for the next year, there were heavy rumors that it would be left to Sergio Perez to decide his future with the reigning world champion.
On his Instagram handle on Thursday, December 5, Antonio Perez Garibay posted a scathing attack on the F1 journalist, calling them "liars", in an attempt to refute reports of his son's exit. He wrote:
"The lying journalists are already looking for me. @F1 Promise me to publicly apologize whoever the liars are. They or yours truly. On Monday, I will publish the list of lying journalists and lying media," his message read (Translated from Spanish).
After the race in Lusail, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner commented on the future of Sergio Perez with them and told Sky Sports:
“Checo has been a wonderful driver for us, certainly in ’21, ’22, ’23. He contributed to Max’s championship in ’21, and constructors’ championships in ’22 and ’23. And, most of all, he’s a great guy and he’s not enjoying the situation he’s in at the moment.
The 51-year-old seemed to leave the decision in Perez's hands as he reiterated that the team would support the Mexican driver, who was aware of the 'pressure in the business'.
Red Bull advisor provides an update on Sergio Perez's future
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko said that there would be a meeting after the race in Abu Dhabi on Monday between the top brass of the Austrian team regarding Sergio Perez's future.
He told ViaPlay (as quoted by Motorsport.com):
"There is a meeting Monday after Abu Dhabi and there, all the major people are there, all of the shareholders, and there a decision will be done," Marko said. "We always - or most of the time - brought our own drivers through the Red Bull programme and I think it's a philosophical decision: do we stick to that? And what I got from the shareholders it will be in this direction."
With no seats available for the 2025 season, Sergio Perez may find himself on the sidelines for the next year or completely out of the sport if Red Bull decides to drop him post-Abu Dhabi GP.