Piquet denies racial slur accusation.
The build-up to this weekend’s British Grand Prix went far beyond the ordinary when it was revealed that three-time world champion Nelson Piquet made what many viewed as a racial slur when commenting about seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. Piquet’s comments were made during a podcast in Brazil that aired in November 2021.
Piquet’s offense was uttered in conjunction with his assessment of a collision in last year’s British Grand Prix in which Max Verstappen collided with Hamilton coming out of Woodcote, which sent the Dutchman flying into the barriers and then to the hospital. Piquet claimed that Hamilton mishandled his car. Verstappen is the boyfriend of Piquet’s daughter, Kelly.
Nelson Piquet: What I said was ill-thought-out, and I make no defense. Still, I will clarify that the term used has widely and historically been used in Brazilian Portuguese as a synonym for ‘guy’ or ‘person’ and was never intended to offend. I would never use the word I have been accused of in some translations. I strongly condemn any suggestion that I used the word to belittle a driver because of his skin color. I apologize wholeheartedly to anyone that was affected, including Lewis, who is an incredible driver. Still, the translation in some media that is now circulating on social media is not correct. Discrimination has no place in F1 or society, and I am happy to clarify my thoughts in that respect.
Despite Piquet’s response, the F.I.A issued a statement banning him from visiting the F1 paddock indefinitely.
FIA on Twitter
In response, several teams and drivers issued statements supporting the British driver and condemning racism. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo, and George Russell are among them. Said Leclerc: “Since I arrived in Formula 1, Lewis has always been kind and respectful to me and everyone he meets. Those values should be the standard for anybody around the world.”
Riccardo agreed. “I want to acknowledge Lewis and all the work he has done both on and off the track to not only spread messages of equality but combat that hate. I’ve never dealt with racially motivated actions, but he has for his entire life. Yet, each time his response to the hate is motivated by maturity, positivity, and education of the world on how we should act. I stand with him and will do whatever I can to follow and support him.”
Russell joined his colleagues in expressing support for Lewis and concern for the incident. “(I have) huge respect for L.H. (Lewis Hamilton). He has done more for the sport than any driver in history, not just on the track but off it. The fact that he and so many others are STILL having to deal with this behavior is unacceptable. We all need to stand together against discrimination of any kind.”
How sad that Piquet’s statement was immediately determined to be racist. It is too bad that you can’t criticize someone’s actions just because they are black. The new rule is to jump to the worst conclusion and never give the benefit of the doubt. And then to be politically correct, all of the lemmings pile on to ruin one of the finest gentleman in motorsports reputation. Spineless comes to mind. As accomplished as Hamilton is, He could show significant class and promote real inclusion by publicly condemning the FIA ban and insisting on lifting it. I’m not holding my breath.