F1 Reacts to Piquet’s Racist Comments about Hamilton

F1 has now issued a statement surrounding the resurfaced video which featured Nelson Piquet making racist remarks.

The video, that recently resurfaced, features Piquet on a Brazilian podcast speaking about the infamous 2021 Silverstone crash.  The three-time champion commented on the first-lap incident where Verstappen was sent crashing into the barriers and sustained a 51G impact.

When speaking, Piquet used an incredibly offensive term to describe Hamilton and used the term instead of Hamilton’s name. Piquet used the term twice and used it to blame Hamilton for the incident too.

The term, which translates to something similar to “little n*****” was used in place of Hamilton’s name when describing the crash with Verstappen. Not only did Piquet use this term but he also said “I hate him” and that in the incident, he “did Verstappen dirty”.

Now that the video has resurfaced and gained attention, F1 has commented.

Formula 1’s Statement

The statement says that “Discriminatory or racist language is unacceptable in any form and has no part in society”. The statement doesn’t only condemn Piquet but it also shows F1’s support for Hamilton and all the work he has done for diversity.

“His (Lewis) tireless efforts to increase diversity and inclusion are a lesson to many and something we are committed to at F1.” -Formula 1 (Statement on Piquet’s comments)

Formula 1 also stated, “Lewis is an incredible ambassador for our sport and deserves respect”.

Mercedes’ Statement

Lewis’s own team, Mercedes, have also made a statement in the comments this morning. Mercedes stated that:

“We condemn in the strongest terms any use of racist or discriminatory language of any kind”

The statement, which was posted on their social media channels, echoes the Formula 1 statement in sentiment. Not only does the statement condemn the racist comments but it also shows incredible support for Lewis Hamilton.

The statement continues to read “Lewis has spearheaded our sport’s efforts to combat racism, and he is a true champion of diversity in and off track.”

pic.twitter.com/qk6cqEbVZR

— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) June 28, 2022

Mercedes finish their statement by commenting on the future. They say they “share a vision for a diverse and inclusive motorsport”. They also said the comments underline the importance of striving towards the future.

Writer’s Note*

As the world, and F1, get more progressive, many believe that there is no need for a focus on diversity and inclusion. Piquet’s statement is proof that even still, we need it. Usually, the hate and racist comments come from faceless accounts on social media but when it comes from a world champion, it raises the point that everyone needs to try harder. The fact that in the sport, in this day and age, someone thinks it is acceptable to say in a recording is abhorrent.

We all must do better.

Feature Image Credit: HOCH ZWEI (DPA/PA Images)