Sergio Perez’s family issues health update after F1 star’s father rushed to hospital
Sergio Perez’s father has been discharged from hospital after suffering a pre-heart attack following Sunday’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Antonio Perez Garibay was rushed to a hospital in Mexico City on Sunday after he was found unconscious. The 65-year-old was watching his son race in Baku when he suffered the medical episode shortly after watching Perez collide with Carlos Sainz at high speed.
He was found in the bathroom of his home before medics were called. In a press release issued by the Perez family, a photograph was released of Perez Garibay lying in a hospital bed, while it was confirmed that he was in a stable condition having suffered a pre-infarction.
Having spent several days in hospital, Perez Garibay has now been allowed to return home. The news was confirmed via his Instagram account which published a written statement from the Perez family providing an update to well-wishers.
It read: “After spending several days in hospital, Mr Antonio Perez Garibay has been discharged and is now at home, where he will continue his recovery process in the company of his loved ones.
“Through this statement, Mr Perez Garibay and Scuderia Perez would like to express their most sincere gratitude to friends, family and the media for the countless displays of affection, support and solidarity during this time.
“Don Antonio will continue his recovery under medical instructions. We thank you again for your understanding and support, and we will be attentive to any relevant updates regarding his health status.”
His son Sergio has been on track for a first podium finish since April in Baku, before his collision with Sainz. As they scrapped over third place on the penultimate lap, the front-right wheel of Perez’s Red Bull made contact with the rear-left of the Ferrari after they exited turn two and both were sent careering into the barrier at high speed.
Mexican outlet Mediotiempo quotes Perez Garibay as having suggested the incident may have caused his medical episode. He said: “Everything happened after the accident. The shock of the accident may have caused it. They are already checking my heart to see why I fainted.”
Perez’ crash was a blow to Red Bull’s constructors’ title chances as they lost out on a significant haul of points. Oscar Piastri won the race while Lando Norris climbed from 15th on the grid to finish fourth, one place ahead of Max Verstappen, as McLaren summitted the standings for the first time since early 2014 with just seven rounds remaining.
