Perez Sr reveals emotional phone call from Leclerc to Checo

Mexico City's favourite son Sergio Perez didn't win his home race last weekend, but the Red Bull driver's podium finish still gave rise to an overflow of joy and emotions at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

Checo's father, Antonio Perez Garibay, led the tributes and heartwarming celebrations for his son in the packed Foro Sol stadium after the race.

As the Red Bull driver's strongest pillar and a man who has bestowed his unwavering support on his son, Perez Sr was thrilled to rejoice in the day's celebrations.

But on Monday, speaking to Spanish media outlet Marca, Antonio Perez revealed that his son had received a special call from someone who had watched the father and son jubilations from afar.

Read also: Perez celebrates 'incredible' historic podium in Mexico

"Checo received a call yesterday from Charles Leclerc, who said 'Checo, you don't know how happy it made me to see your parents celebrate like that, tears came to my eyes, I would have loved my father to see me'."

Perez Sr was unaware that Leclerc had lost his father in 2017.

Hervé Leclerc, a former racer in his own right, had also been an instrumental figure in the Ferrari driver's life and career, instilling early on to the latter his passion for motorsports and lending his support as his talented son climbed through the sport's junior ranks.

Sadly, Hervé Leclerc passed away from illness the year before Charles was promoted to Formula 1, leaving the Ferrari driver with a void that will forever remain unfilled.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.