Ralf Schumacher Responds to 'Homophobic' Remarks from Sergio Perez’s Father

Alex Harrington | 15 Hours Ago

Oracle Red Bull Racing driver Sergio Perez talks to media at the Formula 1 Pirelli United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024. / Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Former Formula One driver Ralf Schumacher publicly announced his sexuality, leading to lots of supportive reactions, but more recently, comments from Sergio Perez’s father. Schumacher has now recently addressed the comments made by the father of the Red Bull driver.

Schumacher's personal life came into the spotlight when he publicly announced his sexuality in July earlier this year. He introduced his partner, French business manager Etienne Bousquet-Cassagne, through an Instagram post, a revelation that coincided with the culmination of substantial changes in his life, such as the end of his marriage to Cora Schumacher, a media personality. This announcement, resulting in overwhelmingly supportive responses, has brought with it some negativity.

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Antonio Perez Garibay, father of Formula One driver Sergio Perez, made headlines with comments perceived as mocking Schumacher's sexuality. These comments came in the wake of Schumacher's critique of Sergio Perez's performance at Red Bull, shared during a broadcast on Sky Germany. Garibay said the following:

"There is a driver who was a Formula 1 driver, [turned] journalist. He first stated that Checo was already out of Red Bull. The following week, [Schumacher] came out of the closet." He further speculated on Schumacher's feelings, adding: "I don't know if he was in love with Checo. Do you understand it? There are many strange things."

The comments were widely regarded as derogatory and homophobic, causing a stir across the motorsport industry.

Sergio Perez, currently facing criticism for underperformance at the Milton Keynes squad, ranks eighth in the Formula One driver standings, struggling to claim wins and contributing to Red Bull Racing's slip to third in the constructor standings. Amid these challenges, Garibay's comments intended to defend his son have been contextualized as part of the ongoing pressure Perez is under.

Ralf Schumacher responded to these comments without malice, choosing empathy over anger on social media.

"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." Schumacher said. "That is why I am not angry with him. However, I believe that results on the track would be the better argument."

Cora Schumacher's separation from Ralf in 2014 became a topic of renewed interest following his announcement. Garibay's comments made reference to allegations made by Cora, who had voiced her feelings of having been "used" during their marriage, and asserted suspicions regarding Ralf's sexuality had long lingered.

Ralf Schumacher has endeavored to clarify his position, stressing that his relationship with Bousquet-Cassagne began two years prior, and was not hidden from his family and friends. Throughout his marriage with Cora, he maintained his faithfulness, according to the driver.