Sergio Perez cancels sponsor deal over tweet 'making fun of' Mexico

The offending tweet from Hawkers suggested Mexicans should wear glasses to hide their crying eyes when the wall Trump had promised to build on election between the US and their country was constructed.

Perez replied to the tweet saying he was ending the relationship, which he said had only begun recently, with the company removing the tweet and apologising for the "serious error".

But the Mexican said he would not change his mind, despite the company having already started production on around 20,000 glasses that bear his name.

Speaking ahead of this weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix, Perez said: "I have decided to split with the brand because I'm not in favour at all of those comments. I didn't find it funny at all.

"I think the relationship was going to be successful, but it comes first, my country, my people.

"I won't let anyone make fun of my country.

"It's a shame the brand pays for it because it's a mistake from one person. I'm sure he regrets it now, but it's how things are in life sometimes."

OCON VERY IMPRESSIVE - PEREZ

Meanwhile, Perez said incoming team-mate Esteban Ocon was Force India's "number one choice" after seriously impressing the team during his in-season testing outings last year.

"I'm happy for everyone and the engineers are enthusiastic that he is joining," said Perez. "He was the number one choice for the team.

"Everything that I have heard about him was very impressive.

"The team was very impressed, they like his personality, the way he interacts with the team, the feedback he gives and he seems to be easy to work with.

"The team asked me who did I think was good of the candidates out there, but I didn't have a strong view as I don't know most of them and it's difficult to judge what they are doing."

Although Mercedes junior Ocon only made his F1 debut earlier this year at Spa with Manor, Perez believes the Frenchman has plenty of experience that bodes well for next season.

"My feedback becomes a bit more important but having a strong driver next to me, which I believe Esteban is, helps," he said.

"He has plenty of experience working with teams, he has worked with Mercedes, with Manor, now with Force India so I think he's not a rookie at all in that regard.

"Working with different teams always helps and I'm sure he can bring good stuff for us."