F1 megastars Lewis Hamilton has spoken out after derogatory comments from a three-time world champion came to light.
The Formula 1 world has come together to condemn a racial insult from F1 world champion Nelson Piquet in the direction of Lewis Hamilton.
Piquet’s comments were made in November 2021 when the Brazilian talked about last year’s British Grand Prix in a podcast.
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The comments have only come to light after being discovered on social media platforms.
Piquet, whose daughter Kelly has a relationship with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, hit Hamilton’s driving at Silverstone, where he came in contact with the Dutchman on an explosive first lap.
Verstappen was sent to the barriers and taken to the hospital for checks, while Hamilton won his home run for the eighth time.
Piquet claims that Hamilton was to blame and referred to him with the derogatory comment, which was initially ignored by Brazilian local media.
“The n **** r put the car wrong and didn’t let it (the other driver veered off),” he said in a video posted by Brazilian company Estadao.
“The n **** r put the car wrong in the corner, it’s because you don’t know the curve. It is a very high curve, there is no way to pass two cars and there is no way to leave the car aside.
“He made (Verstappen) dirty. His luck was that only the other had disappeared.”
Hamilton responded to the ugly comments Tuesday night, saying it’s time to take action.
“It’s more than just a language. These archaic mindsets need to change and have no place in our sport. I have been surrounded by these attitudes and have focused my whole life. There has been a lot of time to learn. It’s time to act, ”he tweeted.
Hamilton also sent a tweet in Portuguese that translated as, “We focus on changing the mindset.”
Formula 1 responded in a statement while criticizing any form of discriminatory or racist language.
“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, ”the statement read.
“Their tireless efforts to increase diversity and inclusion are a lesson for many and something we are committed to in F1.”
Hamilton’s Mercedes team has also made rapid progress on Piquet’s statements.
“We condemn in the strongest terms any use of racist or discriminatory language of any kind,” the statement said.
“Lewis has led our sport ‘s efforts to fight racism, and is a true champion of diversity on and off the court.
“Together, we share the vision of a diverse and inclusive motor sport, and this incident underscores the fundamental importance of continuing to fight for a better future.”
The comments come a week after Red Bull suspended junior driver Juri Vips after he allegedly used a racial insult on a live broadcast.
THE WORLD OF F1 REACTS
Although F1 has been quick in its response, there is still no indication of what positive action will be taken.
Outraged fans have urged them to ban Piquet from attending any future F1 event, challenging the sport to face its motto “We Race As One”.
Earlier this month, Hamilton was named an honorary citizen of Brazil following the passage of a bill in the Brazilian parliament.
Fans did not hesitate with their criticism, as many called for the organization to take serious action.
“If F1 is taken seriously about inclusion and ending racism, then action must be taken here. I urge F1 to investigate and, if it is discovered that Piquet has said these words, he is never allowed to return to a F1 paddock, “tweeted F1 reporter Ben Hunt.
–Amb The sun