Lewis Hamilton target of racist slur by Nelson Piquet
PARIS –
System One condemned racist language after a slur reportedly directed at Lewis Hamilton by retired champion Nelson Piquet.
Piquet was discussing a crash between Hamilton and Max Verstappen throughout final yr’s British Grand Prix when the 69-year-old Brazilian referenced the color of Hamilton’s pores and skin with a discriminatory time period throughout a podcast in November.
“Discriminatory or racist language is unacceptable in any type and has no half in society. Lewis is an unimaginable ambassador for our sport and deserves respect,” F1 mentioned in a press release on Tuesday. “His tireless efforts to extend variety and inclusion are a lesson to many and one thing we’re dedicated to at F1.”
Hamilton is the one Black driver in F1. The seven-time world champion has campaigned tirelessly to struggle racism and has been outspoken on human rights abuses in international locations the place F1 goes racing.
Motorsport governing physique FIA additionally defended Hamilton.
“The FIA strongly condemns any racist or discriminatory language and behavior, which haven’t any place in sport or wider society,” the FIA mentioned. “We specific our solidarity with @LewisHamilton and absolutely help his dedication to equality, variety and inclusion in motor sport.”
Hamilton’s Mercedes group — generally known as the Silver Arrows — switched from silver to an all-black automobile in 2020 to help Hamilton’s efforts to fight racism. Hamilton and most drivers took a knee earlier than races in 2020 and 2021 as an anti-racism gesture. Hamilton additionally arrange The Hamilton Fee to enhance F1’s variety.
“We condemn within the strongest phrases any use of racist or discriminatory language of any form. Lewis has spearheaded our sport’s efforts to fight racism, and he’s a real champion of variety on and off monitor,” Mercedes mentioned on Twitter. “Collectively, we share a imaginative and prescient for a various and inclusive motorsport, and this incident underlines the elemental significance of continuous to try for a brighter future.”
Piquet clinched the F1 title thrice within the Eighties and gained 23 races. His daughter Kelly Piquet is Verstappen’s girlfriend.
The British GP is that this weekend.
