Formula 1 driver Sergio Pérez has criticized his father for homophobic comments about former racing driver Ralf Schumacher. “First of all, I don’t agree with any of his comments,” said the Red Bull driver from Mexico on Sky Sports on the sidelines of the race in Las Vegas: “I think he made a mistake in this regard. I don’t share any of his views.” At the same time, however, he “can’t control what my father says, I can only control what I say,” emphasized the 34-year-old in the USA.
Ralf Schumacher, the brother of Formula 1 record world champion Michael Schumacher and father of a son, had repeatedly criticized the poor Sergio Pérez on the TV channel Sky in the past. Recently he even doubted whether the veteran would even be allowed to finish the season for world champion Max Verstappen’s racing team. Schumacher made his homosexuality public in the summer.
Pérez’s father uses a wrong tone
Antonio Pérez Garibay recently commented on the constant criticism of his son in a podcast on the TV channel ESPN, but he did not mention the name Ralf Schumacher. “There is a driver who was in Formula 1 and is now a journalist who first stated that Checo was already out of Red Bull and came out in the weeks afterwards. I don’t know if he was in love with Checo,” said Pérez Sr., whose son’s nickname is Checo.
“There are a lot of strange things,” he continued, “and you don’t know whether he is a journalist, whether he is a woman or a man,” but Schumacher’s word is doubted.
**How can motorsport organizations leverage this situation as an opportunity to initiate concrete actions and policies that demonstrably promote a more inclusive and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals within the sport?**
## World Today News Exclusive Interview:
**Topic: Sergio Perez’s Father Sparks Controversy with Comments About Ralf Schumacher**
**Guests:**
* **Miguel Diaz:** Motorsport Journalist and Analyst
* **Dr. Emily Carter:** Sociologist specializing in LGBTQ+ issues and sports
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News. Today, we’ll be discussing the recent controversy surrounding Sergio Perez’s father, Antonio Perez Garibay, and his comments about former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher. Joining us are motorsport journalist Miguel Diaz and sociologist Dr. Emily Carter.
**Section 1: The Nature of the Comments**
* **Interviewer:** Miguel, Antonio Perez Garibay’s comments have been widely criticized for their tone and implications. Can you help our audience understand the specific nature of the remarks that have caused such a stir?
* **Interviewer:** Dr. Carter, from a sociological perspective, what are the broader implications of using such language and making such insinuations about someone’s sexuality in a professional context?
**Section 2: Sergio Perez’s Response**
* **Interviewer:** Sergio Perez has publicly distanced himself from his father’s comments, stating that he doesn’t share his views. Miguel, how common is it for Formula 1 drivers to publicly disagree with their family members, especially on such a sensitive topic?
* **Interviewer:** Dr. Carter, what message does Sergio Perez’s response send to LGBTQ+ individuals and allies within and outside the motorsport community?
**Section 3: Ralf Schumacher’s Decision to Come Out**
* **Interviewer:** Ralf Schumacher came out as gay earlier this year. Miguel, do you think his sexuality played a role in the sharp criticism he directed towards Sergio Perez’s performance?
* **Interviewer:** Dr. Carter, how has the landscape of coming out in professional sports evolved in recent years? What unique challenges and opportunities might Ralf Schumacher face as an openly gay former F1 driver?
**Section 4: The Impact on Motorsport**
* **Interviewer:** Miguel, what impact might this controversy have on the image of Formula 1 and its stance on inclusivity?
* **Interviewer:** Dr. Carter, how can motorsport organizations and the wider sporting community work to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ athletes, staff, and fans?
**Closing:**
Thank you, Miguel and Dr. Carter, for your insightful perspectives on this complex issue. This incident highlights the ongoing need for conversations about diversity, inclusion, and respectful discourse within the world of sport. We hope this interview encourages further reflection and positive change within the motorsport community and beyond.
