Ex-driver Nelson Piquet’s remarks about Lewis Hamilton have drawn strong condemnation from Mercedes and F1.
Initially, it was an interview about last season, where Nelson Piquet spoke of the Silverstone Grand Prix, and the skirmish between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, which had led to the violent crash of the Dutchman. Except that the former Brazilian driver, triple Formula 1 world champion in 1981, 1983 and 1987, has used the word « nigga », or “little nigger”, to qualify Hamilton. This was recently revealed by CNN.
In an interview with Motorsport, Nelson Piquet used the word “neguinho” (“little nigger”) to describe Hamilton.
“The term racist was used by Piquet in November last year, but it only came to light recently.” CNN picks it up & awaits answers from Piquet.— To the Ruptor (@AuRupteur) June 28, 2022
These controversial remarks logically made the Mercedes team react. “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 the circuit. Together we share a vision for a diverse and inclusive motorsport, and this incident underscores the fundamental importance of continuing to fight for a better future.”writes the German team on Twitter.
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) June 28, 2022
In the process, F1 also reacted to the words of the man who is incidentally the father-in-law of Max Verstappen. “Racist or discriminatory language is unacceptable in any form and has no place in our society. Lewis is an incredible ambassador for our sport and deserves respect. His tireless efforts to improve diversity and inclusion in our sport are a lesson for many and a commitment for F1 to uphold. »
— Formula 1 (@F1) June 28, 2022
It’s ‘time to act’ for Hamilton
On the other hand, Hamilton first wrote a tweet in Portuguese, the language of Nelson Piquet, to react. “Let’s focus on changing the mindset”, wrote the Briton. Then he clarified his thought: “It’s more than language. These are archaic mentalities that must be changed and which have no place in our sport. I have been surrounded by these attitudes and targeted all my life. There was a lot of time to learn. The time has come to act. »
Let’s focus on changing the mindset
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) June 28, 2022
It’s more than language. These are archaic mindsets need to change and have no place in our sport. I’ve been surrounded by these attitudes and targeted my whole life. There has been plenty of time to learn. Time has come for action.
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) June 28, 2022
Imagine https://t.co/jzRsAI2uuA
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) June 28, 2022
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