Antonio Perez Garibay, father of Formula 1 driver Sergio Perez, has publicly criticized one of his son’s former teams, accusing them of betraying the 35-year-old racer. In a fiery outburst, Garibay pointed to the events surrounding Perez’s departure from Racing Point—now Aston Martin—at the end of the 2020 season as a moment of disloyalty that still stings.
Speaking on a recent episode of the Formula de Dos podcast, Garibay expressed gratitude toward Red Bull, Perez’s most recent team, for the opportunities provided during his tenure from 2021 to 2024. However, he didn’t hold back when reflecting on Racing Point’s decision to replace Perez with four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel ahead of the team’s rebranding to Aston Martin.
“They paid him back with betrayal,” Garibay said, his frustration palpable. “Sergio gave everything to that team, and when the time came, they chose someone else without hesitation. It’s something you don’t forget.”
Perez had been a cornerstone of the Racing Point outfit, achieving a memorable victory at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix—his first in Formula 1—and helping secure the team’s best-ever Constructors’ Championship finish of fourth that year. Despite this, the team opted to bring in Vettel, leaving Perez without a seat until Red Bull signed him for the 2021 season.
Garibay’s comments come amid a turbulent period for Perez, who parted ways with Red Bull at the end of the 2024 season after a challenging campaign that saw him struggle to match the pace of teammate Max Verstappen. While Perez has hinted at a potential return to the F1 grid in 2026, possibly with newcomers Cadillac, his father’s remarks suggest lingering resentment toward Aston Martin’s past actions.
“It’s not just about racing; it’s about loyalty,” Garibay added. “Sergio is a driver who gives his all, and he deserved better treatment.”
Contrastingly, Garibay praised Red Bull for their handling of Perez’s exit, noting it was a mutual decision. “There was a contract, and both sides agreed it was time to move on. You have to be grateful for what they gave him—a chance to fight at the top,” he said.
Perez’s career, spanning 14 years in F1, has seen him race for Sauber, McLaren, Force India/Racing Point, and Red Bull, amassing six Grand Prix victories. As he takes a break from the sport in 2025, speculation continues to swirl about his next move. For now, though, Antonio Perez Garibay’s outspoken defense of his son has reignited debate about loyalty and legacy in the high-stakes world of Formula 1.