David Coulthard has revealed he received abuse from Mexican fans after comments made about Sergio Perez's Red Bull axing.
Following a poor season in which he scored just 48 points in the final 18 races, Perez was dropped by Red Bull in favour of Liam Lawson, potentially bringing to an end his career after 281 starts.
Perez does not have a seat on the 2025 grid, but has not ruled out a potential grand prix return in 2026.
Speaking shortly after the news was announced in December 2024, Coulthard observed that the delay in Perez's exit was probably down to financial matters and him trying to receive the "biggest payoff possible."
The 13-time grand prix winner has now revealed how took "some heat" from Perez's Mexican supporters as a result.
"I voiced an opinion on this very show ahead of the end of the season and I just felt it was a standoff between himself and his management," Coulthard explained on his Formula for Success podcast.
“I took some heat from Mexico, all sorts of the usual vitriol: 'What would you know? What have you ever achieved?' and all that good stuff.
"The fact is, I was merely basing an opinion on the facts.
"The facts are Checo, if it was a personality contest and one of the most liked drivers in the paddock contest, would still be in the seat – he’s a brilliant man.
"He has done a great job, and he has won lots of grands prix, and he can be incredibly proud of his performance.
"But, last season, he didn’t match Max and it cost the team valuable points in the constructors’ championship."
Also interesting:
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