Perez says father’s homophobic comment on Ralf Schumacher was a “mistake” · RaceFans

November 21, 2024

in Racing

Reading Time: 2 mins read

Sergio Perez has distanced himself from homophobic feedback made by his father in a latest interview.

Antonio Perez made disparaging remarks alluding to Ralf Schumacher’s sexuality in an interview for ESPN. The previous Williams driver revealed he’s in a gay relationship in July.

Schumacher has criticised the Pink Bull driver’s performances in the course of the season. Perez has scored 151 factors, a complete dwarfed by that of his group mate Max Verstappen, whose 393-point haul leaves him poised to clinch the championship this weekend.

Requested forward of this weekend’s Las Vegas Grand Prix about his father’s remarks, Perez stated: “I don’t agree with any of his feedback.

“I feel he did a mistake in that regard. I don’t share any of his views. However on the identical time, I don’t management what my father has to say, I can solely management what I say.

“It’s necessary as a sport to at all times present that no matter occurs on monitor it at all times stays on monitor. That’s the best way I see it and we needs to be at all times an instance for the remainder of the world.”

Schumacher, whose son David races GT automobiles in Germany, stated he understood the response of Perez’s father. “I might additionally stand 100% behind my son and attempt to assist,” he stated in a social media assertion. “That’s what you do as a father.

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“So far as fashion is anxious, I might method issues in another way, however we all know Mr Perez with all his feelings. That’s why I’m not indignant with him.

“Nevertheless, I consider outcomes on the monitor can be the higher argument.”

Perez goes into this weekend’s race having not scored in both of the final two grands prix (he took one level for eighth place within the dash race at Interlagos). Pink Bull have fallen 59 factors behind McLaren within the constructors’ championship and Perez admitted he should elevate his sport to assist them shut the hole.

“We want a few one-twos from now till the top of the 12 months,” he stated. “So hopefully we are able to get again on monitor and that would be the predominant goal for the remainder of the 12 months to essentially attempt to be as sturdy within the coming races.”