Sergio Perez’s tumultuous 2024 Formula 1 season took an even more dramatic turn following his massive crash with Carlos Sainz during the penultimate lap of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. While both drivers escaped unharmed from the wreck, a far more alarming incident unfolded off the track, as Perez’s father, Antonio Pérez Garibay, was reportedly found unconscious in the aftermath of the crash.
The devastating incident occurred after Perez collided with Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, further derailing Red Bull’s already precarious season. The Mexican driver’s misfortunes have cost Red Bull crucial points throughout the year, and this latest disaster handed the Constructors’ Championship lead to McLaren.
However, what shocked many was the report from Mexican publication Medio Tiempo, which revealed that Antonio Pérez Garibay, a prominent figure in Mexican motorsport, suffered a pre-heart attack after witnessing his son’s crash. Although official confirmation from Perez’s camp has yet to surface, the media outlet suggested that the intense shock triggered a severe health episode for Garibay.
According to the report, Garibay is now in stable condition and remains under medical observation. The swift response from medical personnel helped to avert a more serious situation. It’s believed the shock of the crash may have been a factor in Garibay’s sudden health scare, leading to severe chest pain that required immediate attention.
On the track, Sergio Perez was finally delivering a performance on par with — if not better than — his Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen, before the crash prematurely ended his race. Despite his disappointment, Perez expressed some optimism regarding his form, acknowledging that the team still had significant work to do if they were to challenge McLaren and Ferrari in the remaining races.
Red Bull’s grip on the Constructors’ Championship has been loosened, with Ferrari looming as a major threat. With only seven races left in the season, the team from Milton Keynes faces a critical juncture. If they are to reclaim their standing at the top, it will require a return to form and error-free performances from both drivers — something that has proven elusive so far in 2024.
