Sergio Perez was critical of his father Antonio’s homophobic comments towards Formula 1 race winner Ralf Schumacher, admitting “he did a mistake in that regard”.
Antonio Perez was speaking out against Schumacher, who has been heavily critical of his son amid a poor run of performances with Red Bull.
Speaking to ESPN, the Mexican said, “[Schumacher] came out of the closet. 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.”
Speaking to Sky Sports News ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Perez chastised his father’s use of ignorant language.
“First of all, I don’t agree with any of his comments,” the Red Bull driver said.
“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.
“It’s important as a sport to always show that whatever happens on track it always remains on track.
“That’s the way I see it and we should always be an example for the rest of the world.”
Perez’s final comments along with F1’s We Race as One initiative, which seeks to welcome all members of the racing community regardless of race, religion, gender or sexuality.
Moreover, his Red Bull employers are partners with motorsport initiative Racing Pride, an organisation seeking to break down barriers for the LGBTQ+ community.
Ralf Schumacher ‘not angry’ with Antonio Perez
Schumacher, the younger brother of seven-time F1 World Champion Michael and a winner of six Grands Prix across his own career, responded to Perez senior’s comments via Instagram.
“I would also stand behind my son 100 per cent and try to help,” he wrote.
“That’s what you do as a father. As far as style is concerned, I would be different but we know Mr Perez with all his emotions.
“That’s why I’m not angry with him. However, I think that results on the track would be the better arguments.”
Schumacher was previously married to ex-wife Cora, with whom he has a 23-year-old son, David, currently racing in the ADAC GT Master series.
This summer, Schumacher revealed publicly that he was in a same-sex relationship with partner Etienne Bousquet-Cassagne.
“The most beautiful thing in life is when you have the right partner by your side with whom you can share everything,” the German wrote in July, receiving widespread support.
READ MORE – Sergio Perez’s father makes homophobic remarks towards Ralf Schumacher
