NELSON PIQUET has been criticized for using racist language while referring to seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton.
Hamilton is one of the best drivers in the sport and is tied at the top of the standings with Michael Schumacher in all-time title victories.
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Nelson Piquet is the father of Max Verstappen’s girlfriend, Kelly, Credit: Getty
Just last year, Hamilton missed an eighth record title as Max Verstappen threw him on the gong in Abu Dhabi.
Coincidentally, the father of Verstappen’s girlfriend, Kelly Piquet, is Nelson, himself a three-time former world champion.
The Brazilian was known for making controversial and strange comments when he was a pilot.
And he’s back in the headlines for using racial insult while talking about Hamilton.
Who is Nelson Piquet?
Three-time world champion, Piquet is one of the most decorated drivers in the history of F1.
He won his first title in 1981 with Brabham, before winning another just two years later with the same team.
Piquet then moved to Williams for two years and won his third title in his second year with the British racing team.
The Brazilian announced his retirement from the sport in 1992 and has since attempted to run the Indy 500 Miles.
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Lewis Hamilton is a seven-time F1Credit: Reuters world champion
He has also driven his son Nelson Piquet Jr., who was a Renault test driver in 2007.
Piquet also founded his own racing team, Piquet Sports, in 2000,
The 69-year-old also has seven children, the third Kelly is Verstappen’s girlfriend.
What did Piquet say about Hamilton?
The Brazilian used a derogatory term in an interview in November last year when he spoke about the 2021 British GP.
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 Hamilton was to blame and referred to him with the term offensive, which was initially lost by Brazilian local media.
F1 has now responded in a statement in support of Hamilton by saying: “Discriminatory or racist language is unacceptable in any form and has no part in society.
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“Lewis is an incredible ambassador for our sport and deserves respect. His 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 beaten Piquet, who won the world championship with Brabham in 1981 and 1983, and again with Williams in 1987.
A statement from Mercedes said: “We condemn in the strongest terms any use of racist or discriminatory language of any kind.
“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.”