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Sky Sports’ Craig Slater goes through Nelson Piquet’s apology to Lewis Hamilton and explains how the Formula 1 paddock will react.
Craig Slater of Sky Sports goes through Nelson Piquet’s apology to Lewis Hamilton and explains how the Formula 1 paddock will react.
Nelson Piquet has apologized “wholeheartedly” to Lewis Hamilton, but “strongly condemns any suggestion” that he racially abused his fellow Formula One world champion, alleging that his comments have been mistranslated.
This week came an interview with the Brazilian last year, in which he used a racially offensive expression twice when referring to Hamilton.
It provoked widespread condemnation by the entire F1 paddock, with Hamilton himself calling for “action” and insisting that “archaic mindsets must change and have no place in our sport.”
On Wednesday, Piquet issued his own statement in which he said he wanted to “clarify the stories.”
“What I said was badly thought out, and I don’t defend it,” said Piquet, a three-time F1 champion.
“But I clarify that the term used is a term that has been used widely and historically colloquially in Brazilian Portuguese as a synonym for ‘man’ or ‘person’ and was never intended to offend.
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“I would never use the word I have been accused of in some translations. I strongly condemn any suggestion that the word be used by me for the purpose of belittling a driver for his skin color.
“I sincerely apologize to anyone affected, including Lewis, who is an amazing driver, but the translation in some media that is now circulating on social media is incorrect.
“Discrimination has no place in F1 or society and I am happy to clarify my thoughts on it.”
Sky Sports News understands that Piquet will not be able to return to the paddock after his comments, which were made last November when there was talk of the accident between Hamilton and Max Verstappen at the 2021 British GP.
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Haas team director Guenther Steiner comments on Nelson Piquet’s racial insults to Lewis Hamilton, as well as the importance of team leaders ’meetings in F1.
Haas team director Guenther Steiner comments on Nelson Piquet’s racial insults to Lewis Hamilton, as well as the importance of team leaders ’meetings in F1.
In response, Hamilton sent a series of tweets. He said: “It’s more than a language. These archaic mindsets have to change and have no place in our sport. I’ve been surrounded by these attitudes and I’ve been heading all my life. There’s been a long time to learn. the time for action has come “.
He also tweeted “Vamos focar em mudar a mentality”, which in Portuguese means “Let’s focus on changing the mentality”.
Piquet is the father of Verstappen’s partner, Kelly Piquet.
“Picket is not welcome in the F1 paddock”
Craig Slater of Sky Sports News:
“My understanding is that Nelson Piquet, despite this apology that has come out, at least in the foreseeable future will not be welcome in the Formula 1 paddock.
“I think those observations he made, the language he used in that interview in November last year, have been deeply recorded among those occupying leadership positions in sport.
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Relive Lewis Hamilton’s big crash with title rival Max Verstappen at last year’s British Grand Prix.
Relive Lewis Hamilton’s big crash with title rival Max Verstappen at last year’s British Grand Prix.
“We’ll see what the drivers, team leaders and others do in the next 24 hours. It’s Media Day at Silverstone on Thursday and we’ll have the opinions of everyone competing at the event.
“Piquet has spoken of colloquialisms in Brazilian Portuguese, which has been part of the controversy we have had related to this in the past involving other well-known athletes.
“He has apologized, but I understand that this has been beyond anything and that in the foreseeable future he will not be welcome back in the Formula 1 paddock.”
F1 condemns Piquet’s comments, drivers show Hamilton’s support
Piquet’s comments were heavily criticized by F1 and the FIA governing body, while drivers and teams also expressed support for Hamilton, the sport’s most successful driver and seven-time champion.
Hamilton teammate George Russell was the first to support Hamilton, and posted on social media: “Great respect for LH. He has done more for this sport than any driver in history, not just on the track but off it.
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“The fact that he and so many others still have to deal with this behavior is unacceptable. We must all stand together against any kind of discrimination.”
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc has also criticized Piquet’s comments. Writing on Twitter, he said: “Knowing Lewis since I came to Formula 1 has always been kind and respectful to me and everyone I know. These values should be the standard for anyone around the world. .
“The comments made to Lewis must not be tolerated and we must continue to promote a more diverse and inclusive sport. We must eliminate discriminatory behavior and racist language in any form not only from our sport, but also from our society “.
McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo also showed his support for Hamilton, and posted a message on Instagram saying, “Discrimination and racism have no place in this sport or in our society. Those who still choose to spread hatred and using those words are not my friends.
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“I want to acknowledge Lewis and all the work he has done on and off the track not only to spread messages of equality, but also to combat that hatred.
“I have never dealt with any action of racial motivation, but he has done so throughout his life. However, every time his response to hatred is motivated by the maturity, positivity and education of the world about how we have to act.
“I am with him and I will do my best to follow and support him.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Esteban Ocon of Alpine, who also wrote on Instagram: “All racist and discriminatory language has absolutely no part in our sport and our society. That’s enough.
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“I’ve worked and spent time with Lewis over the years and I know the kind of person he is. Always genuine and respectful of everyone around him.
“He has done a lot for F1, on and off the track, and we are proud to have him at the forefront of our fight for greater diversity and inclusion in motor sport.
“I’m with Lewis and his continued efforts to make the sport we love a better place for everyone.”