F1 news: Lewis Hamilton responds to former world champion Nelson Piquet’s racial slur

F1 has issued a scathing response to Nelson Piquet after the former champion was taped racially abusing Lewis Hamilton. It comes as Red Bull sacked a driver for using racist slurs.

Lewis Hamilton. Picture: AAP Image/Scott Barbour

Foul-mouthed ex-Formula One champion Nelson Piquet has been caught on tape racially abusing Lewis Hamilton, setting off a firestorm of complaints and condemnation ahead of this weekend’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

Piquet has a history of making disgusting comments about other drivers but the Brazilian has hit a new low this time after a shocking video emerged of him using the N-word to describe Hamilton.

Speaking in Portuguese in a podcast interview about last year’s British Grand Prix, Piquet twice referred to Hamilton as the “n-----” when describing his crash with Max Verstappen on the opening lap.

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Lewis Hamilton was racially abused by former F1 champion Nelson Piquet in a podcast. Picture: Geoff Robins/AFP

“The n----- put the car in the wrong way and didn’t let (Verstappen swerve),” Piquet told Brazilian publication Estadao in a video that was released on Monday.

“The n----- put the car in the wrong way on the corner, it’s because you don’t know the curve. It’s a very high curve, there is no way to pass two cars and there’s no way you can put the car aside.”

Lewis went on to win the race while Verstappen, who is dating Piquet’s daughter Kelly, was forced to retire.

Hamilton tweeted his response on Tuesday, saying: “Time has come for action”.

It’s more than language. These archaic mindsets need to change and have no place in our sport. I’ve been surrounded by these attitudes and targeted my whole life. There has been plenty of time to learn. Time has come for action.

— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) June 28, 2022

F1 bosses released a statement on Tuesday supporting Hamilton and condemning racism in all forms.

“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,” it read.

“(Hamilton’s) tireless efforts to increase diversity and inclusion are a lesson to many and something we are committed to at F1.”

Hamilton’s Mercedes team also released a statement backing Lewis, the seven-time world champion.

“We condemn in the strongest terms any use of racist or discriminatory language of any kind. Lewis has spearheaded our sport’s efforts to combat racism, and he is a true champion of diversity on and off track.

Former F1 driver Nelson Piquet has been slammed for his comments about Hamilton. Picture: Simon Bruty/Allsport

“Together, we share a vision for a diverse and inclusive motorsport, and this incident underlines the fundamental importance of continuing to strive for a brighter future.”

Now 69, Piquet won three world drivers’ titles in the 1980s, but is a hugely divisive figure within the sport after making derogatory comments about Aytron Senna, questioning his sexuality.

He also made unsavoury remarks about Nigel Mansell and his wife when they were teammates at Williams and took a swipe at Enzo Ferrari.

Condemnation from leading figures within the sport followed quickly after his comments about Lewis emerged, with highly respected commentator and ex-driver Martin Brundle backing Mercedes’ strong sentiments.

“I couldn’t agree more. The education and deep need for change continues,” Brundle tweeted.

Hamilton’s scathing response to Piquet’s comment came on the same day as Red Bull reserve driver Juri Vips was dropped by the British-based Formula One team for using racist language during a live gaming stream.

The Estonian, who competes in the Formula Two series, was temporarily stood down from all duties on June 21.

A statement on Red Bull Racing’s official Twitter account read: “Following an investigation into an online incident involving Juri Vips, Red Bull Racing has terminated Juri’s contract as its test and reserve driver.

“The team do not condone any form of racism.” Vips, 21, last week issued an apology for his “unacceptable” language.

Originally published as F1 news: Lewis Hamilton responds to former world champion Nelson Piquet’s racial slur