Piquet used a racially offensive term in referring to Hamilton
Formula 1 has condemned former world champion Nelson Piquet for using racially abusive language in reference to Lewis Hamilton.
The 69-year-old, who won the world title on three occasions, used a racially offensive term about the Mercedes driver on a podcast.
Speaking about the first lap of last year’s British Grand Prix – when Hamilton and Max Verstappen were involved in an accident – he described the incident as “a joke”.
Piquet also suggested that Hamilton had been “lucky” that only the Red Bull driver crashed, before using a swear word in expressing his opinion that Hamilton had made a mistake during the race.
Hamilton 💥 Verstappen
There was plenty of drama on our last visit to Silverstone, including this on the opening lap 👀#BritishGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/pTKqSeYhtS
— Formula 1 (@F1) June 26, 2022
F1 condemn Piquet for using racially abusive language
After video emerged of Piquet describing Hamilton as ‘neguinho’, a Brazilian Portuguese term which refers to Hamilton’s skin tone, Formula 1 released a statement condemning the use of such language.
An F1 statement read: “Discriminatory or racist language is unacceptable in any form and has no part in society.
“Lewis is an incredible ambassador for our sport and deserves respect.”
It continued: “His tireless efforts to increase diversity and inclusion are a lesson to many and something we are committed to at F1.”
— Formula 1 (@F1) June 28, 2022
Mercedes said: “We condemn in the strongest terms any use of racist or discriminatory language of any kind. Lewis has spearheaded our sport’s efforts to combat racism, and he is a true champion of diversity on and off track.
“Together, we share a vision for a diverse and inclusive motorsport, and this incident underlines the fundamental importance of continuing to strive for a brighter future.”
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) June 28, 2022
Piquet, who is the father of Verstappen’s partner Kelly Piquet, has previously made offensive comments about Nigel Mansell and his wife.
During his driving career, he also publicly questioned Ayrton Senna’s sexuality and called his rival “the Sao Paulo taxi driver”.
Related links:
- Max Verstappen pokes fun at Lewis Hamilton’s involvement in Chelsea takeover bid
- Lewis Hamilton could become citizen of Brazil pending parliament vote
- Lewis Hamilton reveals mental and emotional struggles in honest Instagram post
