Ralf Schumacher has stated that he is "not angry" following a controversial outburst by Sergio Perez's father, Antonio Perez Garibay.
The Mexican politician, speaking on the Spanish-language ESPN Racing podcast, took aim at Schumacher, who has been a vocal critic of his son's performance at Red Bull.
"There's one driver, or a journalist, used to be a Formula 1 driver, who first claimed that Checo had been kicked out of Red Bull, and then the next week he came out of the closet," Perez senior remarked.
"I don't know, maybe he's in love with Checo? You don't know anymore if he's a journalist, a woman or a man. But even his words are questionable, not even because of Checo, but because of what his (ex) wife said about him," the 65-year-old added.
German outlet Bild described the comments as "completely unacceptable."
However, Schumacher responded calmly on Instagram, posting in German: "I would also stand 100 percent behind my son and try to help. That's what you do as a father.
"As for the style, I would approach it differently, but we know Mr Perez with all his emotions. That's why I'm not angry with him.
"However, I believe results on the track would be a better argument," Schumacher concluded.
