Sergio Perez's father has launched a scathing and politically-incorrect critique of Ralf Schumacher, believing the former Formula 1 driver's remarks about his son were offensive and unwarranted.
Schumacher, now a German television pundit, has consistently criticized the Red Bull driver's performance and future prospects. Recently, Schumacher claimed: "Next year he won't drive a single metre in the car. I don't even think he'll finish the season."
In response, Antonio Perez Garibay, a well-known Mexican politician, called out Schumacher during an appearance on the Spanish-language ESPN Racing podcast. Perez snr demanded an apology from pundits who have repeatedly targeted his son.
"There's one driver, or journalist, who used to be in Formula 1, saying Checo had been kicked out of Red Bull," Perez said. "Then the next week, he came out of the closet. I don't know, maybe he's in love with Checo? You understand, right?"
Perez senior didn't hold back on his obvious attack on Schumacher, continuing: "A lot of strange things are happening. You don't know anymore if he's a journalist, a woman, or a man. But even his words are questionable, not even because of Checo, but because of what his (ex) wife said about him."
Antonio Perez also took the opportunity to refute comparisons between his son and Lance Stroll, often labeled as a 'pay driver' due to his father Lawrence Stroll's ownership of the Aston Martin team.
"I am not Mr. Stroll," Perez snr insisted. "I do not have the money to buy a Formula 1 team for my son, nor do we have the capital to be there like that. Checo is there for himself. He arrived for himself. He is still there for himself, and the position he has is for himself."
Despite this, Perez acknowledged that his son benefits from significant financial backing, including support from Carlos Slim's companies.
"We all know that they (F1 teams) need sponsors, they need the support of the country," he said. "Right now, Checo Perez is the most well-known person in this country. He has made a great revolution in the world and in Latin America. He has earned his status."
Ralf Schumacher's criticism of Perez is not the first time he has been called out for his remarks in the past few days. Former Haas boss Gunther Steiner also took aim at the German pundit, referencing Schumacher's outspoken comments during his nephew Mick Schumacher's time in F1.
"I wanted his blood," Steiner told Bild newspaper. "My famous war of words with Mick's uncle Ralf made more headlines than some of the damn races. He and I have now buried the hatchet, but I freely admit that the timing of Ralf's outbursts couldn't have been worse."
