Nelson Piquet won the world title in 1981, 1983 and 1987
Formula 1 has condemned three-time world champion Nelson Piquet for using racially abusive language about Lewis Hamilton.
The 69-year-old Brazilian, who won the world title in 1981, 1983 and 1987, used a racially offensive term to refer to Hamilton in a podcast.
An F1 statement said: “Discriminatory or racist language is unacceptable in any form and has no part in society.
“Lewis is an amazing ambassador for our sport and he deserves respect.”
He added: “Their tireless efforts to increase diversity and inclusion are a lesson for many and something we are committed to in F1.”
Piquet was talking about the crash between Hamilton and Red Bull driver Max Verstappen in the first lap of last year’s British Grand Prix.
He described the incident as “a joke”, said Hamilton had been “lucky” only that Verstappen crashed, and used a bad word to express his view that Hamilton had made a mistake.
This weekend’s British Grand Prix is the first anniversary of the incident, which was one of a series between the two drivers when they competed in last year’s world title, a championship decided in controversial circumstances in the 2021 final in Abu Dhabi.
Hamilton’s team, Mercedes, said: “We strongly condemn any use of racist or discriminatory language of any kind. Lewis has led our sport’s efforts to combat racism and is a true champion of diversity within and off the track.
“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.”
Piquet, who is the father of Verstappen couple Kelly Piquet, has a history of making nasty and nasty statements. During his career as a driver, he publicly questioned Ayrton Senna’s sexuality and called his rival “the taxi driver of Sao Paulo.”
He also made offensive comments about Nigel Mansell and the Briton’s wife when they were teammates at Williams.
The FIA, the governing body of motorsport, said: “The FIA strongly condemns any racist or discriminatory language and behavior, which has no place in sport or in society at large.
“We express our solidarity with Lewis Hamilton and fully support his commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in motor sport.”