Over the last several years, Sergio Pérez, 26, has continually proved himself to be one of the premier drivers in the racing world. Only the fifth Mexican to race for the prestigious Formula One racing, Pérez impressive record has gained the attention of countless fans and numerous, high-profile sponsors. However, Pérez decided to part ways with sunglasses sponsor, Hawkers, after they released a tweet he, and many other Mexicans, found offensive, ESPN reports. That tweet?
“Mexicans, put on these glasses so they can’t see your swollen/crying eyes tomorrow when building the wall.”
CREDIT: HAWKERS MX / TWITTER
In the wake of the election results, Hawkers – a company based out of Spain – tweeted out what was meant to be a joke (with a picture of sunglasses), but for many Mexicans, who actually fear the prospect of a Trump presidency, and are currently facing the collapse of the peso, the joke was in poor taste.
The “Hawkers Mx” Twitter account quickly deleted the tweet, but not before it escaped Sergio Pérez’s radar.
Hemos borrado los Tweets ofensivos para no ofender a nadie más. De nuevo, #losentimosdecorazonMéxico
— HAWKERS MX (@HawkersMX) November 10, 2016
CREDIT: HAWKERSMX / TWITTER
Pérez was quick to reprimand “Hawkers” for their insensitive tweet.
CREDIT: SERGIO PEREZ / TWITTER
Shortly after their tweet, Pérez dropped the sponsor, and told “Hawkers” that they would’t be allowed to sell his line of limited edition sunglasses – leaving them with about 20,000 unsaleable glasses. While some might see Pérez’s actions as an overreaction, it can’t be discounted that he lives in a Mexico that has been the political punching bag of a man who now controls one of the strongest militaries in the world. In a statement, Pérez clarified his stance, according to The Guardian:
“They are very sorry and I am very sorry, too. I know the owners and they have done incredibly well and the relationship was going to be very successful. But my country and people come first and I want to support them and won’t let anyone make fun of my country.”
Since the snafu, “Hawkers” has attempted to explain it was done as a joke, and not to taunt the people of Mexico.
CREDIT: HAWKERS MX / TWITTER
This tweet from Hawkers tried to remind people that having the ability to laugh at yourself is one of great things about being Mexican. Right?
Customers were less than convinced.
CREDIT: JC_ABASKAL / TWITTER
Not everyone likes to laugh, apparently.
CREDIT: CHAKALVERGON / TWITTER
After the company received several angry tweets from their customers, Hawkers co-founder David Moreno apologized for the grief their tweet caused.
Hemos cometido un grave error. Hoy CM significa Cagada Máxima. No volverá a ocurrir #losentimosdecorazonMexico pic.twitter.com/qEKOLf58ly
— HAWKERS MX (@HawkersMX) November 10, 2016
CREDIT: HAWKERS MX / TWITTER
According to The Guardian, Sergio Pérez realizes that the tweet was the work of one man, not the entire company, but for Pérez, the damage had already been done, saying, “It is a shame that the brand pays for it. It is a mistake by one person and I am sure he regrets it now but that is how things are in life sometimes.”
