Sergio Perez and his father, Antonio Perez Garibay, have doubled down on their criticism of persistent media rumours casting doubt on the Red Bull driver's future.
Despite signing a 2025 contract earlier this year, the 34-year-old has faced ongoing scrutiny amid his struggles alongside teammate Max Verstappen, fueling speculation that his position at Red Bull could be in jeopardy.
One of the most prominent rumours suggested Perez might announce his retirement during the Mexican GP weekend.
"The media that said that in Mexico he would be saying goodbye," Perez's father, politician Antonio Perez Garibay, told the ESPN Racing podcast, "They should now at least apologise."
Team advisor Dr Helmut Marko recently confirmed Red Bull's plans to evaluate Perez's performance after the season-ending Abu Dhabi GP. However, the driver himself says he has chosen to approach the rumours with humour.
"I already laugh at everything they (the media) come up with - everything they talk about," Sergio Perez said.
"I'm not talking about everyone, because there are professional journalists too. But it's hard for a sportsman to understand - everyone can have a bad race, or make a bad decision, but in the European media there is an excess of unprofessionalism."
Adding to the speculation about Perez's future are reports that Red Bull team boss Christian Horner has already secured new sponsorships tied to Perez for the 2025 season. This reportedly includes approval for manufacturing team clothing and merchandise featuring the new sponsor logos.
The apparent confidence of both Perez and his father reflects their belief in his continuing role alongside Verstappen for at least the next two seasons.
"Checo will be there for the next two years," Antonio Perez Garibay insisted. "He has said that, given the opportunity, he plans to retire with Red Bull.
"It is the most professional team at the moment - the world champion team," he added. "They are doing what is necessary to improve, not only with Checo's car, but with Max Verstappen's car too.
"They are still fighting for the championship. I think Max will be world champion again and Red Bull is preparing to be among the top three constructors'. The restructuring will then come at the end of the year." body check tags ::
