Perez dumps sponsor after Trump row on Twitter

Sergio Perez proved he is very much his own man when it comes to defending Mexico's reputation and the honor of its citizens.

The Force India driver targeted a controversial message on Twitter by sunglasses brand Hawkers -a recently contracted personal sponsor of Perez - which mocked Mexicans in the wake of Donald Trump's win in the US presidential election.

Hawkers suggested that Perez' countrymen could now use a good pair of shades to hide their "crying eyes tomorrow when you are building the wall."

Needless to say, the ill-fated tweet, which admittedly was a case of very poor humor and which the company has since deleted, did not go down well with Perez who immediately announced that he was severing all ties with the sunglasses maker.

Chris Medland's 2016 Brazilian Grand Prix

FEATURE: What Rosberg need to do to win the title in Brazil

INTERVIEW: Fernando Alonso: Why F1 is no longer just for heroes

TECHNICAL: Under the skin of the Ferrari SF16-H

F1i Classic: Brazil 1991 - Senna's pain and glory

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.