After more than a year where Sergio Perez played subservient to Max Verstappen, things took an ugly turn between the two in Brazil last year. The incident saw some mud-slinging from both sides, hinting that perhaps things were not so hunky-dory between them after all. During the episode, Perez raised questions about his teammate’s character. However, a recent incident involving a young fan has exposed his own morals.

Had it not been for Perez’s heroics in Abu Dhabi in 2021, Verstappen probably would have never won the championship that year. The Mexican Minister of Defense famously kept backing Lewis Hamilton up from the front. Once his teammate arrived, he gladly got out of the way to let him fight his own battle. However, when it came to returning the favor at Interlagos last year, the Dutchman backed out. Slamming him publically on the team radio, Checo said that Verstappen showed “who he really is”.

This time around, it is Perez himself, whose morals are under scrutiny. According to a Mexican journalist, the Red Bull driver had dinner with his family where he was present with his son as well. His son happened to be Checo’s fan but waited until he finished his dinner to ask for a picture. However, Perez refused, which brought the young fan to tears.

The ESPN/SportsCenter journalist Miguel Gonzalez narrated the ordeal through Twitter. He wrote, “Thanks to @SChecoPerez for ignoring and turning your back on my son when they were leaving the restaurant. Incredulous, I approached you to ask if you could take a picture with him and you denied it saying that you came with your family. This time the tears you provoked were not from emotion.” [Translated using Google]

“The child waited for them to finish and leave so as not to be impertinent, what a pity it bothers you when a child asks you for a photo, although you have every right to deny it @SChecoPerez By the way, the garbage on the table is collected. Education is also taught and learned as a family.”

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The incident is a rare stain on Checo’s reputation who has, over the years, earned appreciation for having a kind heart.

When Sergio Perez won hearts all around with a special gesture for Red Bull employees

Last year was a glorious one for Red Bull. The team won 17 races in the entire season. While Perez could only finish 3rd, he finished with the highest points he’s had over a season in F1. That was clearly very special for him and, to mark his appreciation, Sergio gifted all 1400 Red Bull employees a tequila bottle. The bottles came from his own brand called Patron.

Each gift came with a special heartfelt note which read, “Thank you for all of your hard work and support this season. I’m so proud to be part of the Red Bull family. Wishing you a wonderful holiday.”

“Enclosed, please enjoy a bottle of the number one super-premium tequila in the world, Patron tequila. Looking forward to next season. Salud! Checo Perez.”

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Clearly, this time around, Checo did not want to be disturbed while spending time with his family. But could he have been a bit more considerate to a young fan?