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Ralf Schumacher has addressed controversial remarks made by Antonio Perez Garibay, the father of Formula 1 driver Sergio Perez, which appeared to mock the former racer’s sexual orientation. Despite the comments, Schumacher has emphasized he holds no anger towards Perez Garibay, choosing instead to highlight his understanding as a father.
Schumacher, a six-time Formula 1 race winner, came out earlier this year via social media, revealing he is in a relationship with a man. His announcement was met with widespread support from figures across the F1 community, including seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. However, Perez Garibay’s remarks, made during a media appearance in Mexico, have drawn criticism.
In his statement, Perez Garibay referenced Schumacher’s professional transition to punditry and his coming out. He said:
“There is a driver who was a Formula 1 driver, [turned] journalist. He first stated that Checo [Sergio Perez] was already out of Red Bull. The following week, [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. But his opinion does not matter, not because of Checo Perez, but because of what his [ex-]wife said about him.”
The remarks seemed to allude to comments from Schumacher’s ex-wife, who expressed feeling “stabbed in the heart” following his revelation. Schumacher later countered her remarks, branding her claims as untrue.
Schumacher responded to Perez Garibay’s comments via Instagram, sharing a screenshot of a German headline that read: “Perez Sr. goes after Schumacher.” In his caption, Schumacher wrote:
“I would also stand behind my son 100 percent and try to help. That is what you do as a father. As for the style, I would be different but we know Mr. Perez with all his emotions. That is why I am not angry with him. However, I believe that results on the track would be the better argument.”
The ongoing scrutiny surrounding Sergio Perez’s performance at Red Bull has heightened tensions. The Mexican driver, who signed a contract extension earlier this season, has struggled to deliver results. With three races remaining, he sits eighth in the drivers’ standings with 151 points. In stark contrast, his teammate Max Verstappen leads the championship with 393 points, nearing another title win.
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