Motorsport

NELSON PIQUET has broken his silence after Lewis Hamilton called on F1 to take “action” over the Brazilian’s vile racial slur.The 69-year-old has apologised for what he says was an “ill thought out” comment, made in November last year.
Nelson Piquet has issued a public apology to Lewis HamiltonCredit: Getty
Hamilton called for F1 to take “action” after Piquet’s comment surfacedCredit: Getty
Piquet’s daughter Kelly is dating current world champion Max VerstappenCredit: u/caboose979
A number of F1 sources claim Piquet is now set for a life ban from the paddock following the slur.
But Piquet said he “strongly condemns” suggestions he racially abused Hamilton.
A statement said: “What I said was ill thought out, and I make no defence for it, but I will clarify that the term used is one that has widely and historically been used colloquially 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.
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F1.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-h98a3b{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(236,245,247,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-xpuujo{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-tqcu81{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-bq4915{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,97,108,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-bq4915:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}SLUR SHAME .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Who is Nelson Piquet, and what did he say about Lewis Hamilton?
“I strongly condemn any suggestion that the word was used by me with the aim of belittling a driver because of his skin colour. 
“I apologise wholeheartedly to anyone that was affected, including Lewis, who is an incredible driver, but 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.”
Hamilton, 37, wrote on social media in response to Piquet’s vile slur: “It’s more than language. These archaic mindsets need to change and have no place in our sport.
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#dcdddd;background-color:#ffffff;}.css-14dqn90{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(4px/2);margin-right:calc(4px/2);}.css-12an5ma{font-family:The Sun;font-size:20px;line-height:1.2;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;padding:1px 0px;}.css-12an5ma::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.261875em + -1px);}.css-12an5ma::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:calc(-0.25em + -1.3px);}.css-dzrove{color:rgba(37,129,145,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;margin-right:4px;}.css-dzrove:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}SLUR SHAME .css-1efa55o{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1efa55o:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Who is Nelson Piquet, and what did he say about Lewis Hamilton?

“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.”
Piquet is said to have been discussing a collision at Silverstone in 2021 between Hamilton and Max Verstappen, who dates Piquet’s daughter, Kelly.
Kelly then liked a social media post from a relative that defended her father.
The Instagram upload claimed their “second grandmother” used the word Piquet used in reference to her family members, and even said that it is a word of “love”.
Seven-time world champion Hamilton has been backed by teammate George Russell and F1 icon Damon Hill in the wake of Piquet’s comment.
Hill, 61, demanded Piquet be punished for the vile remark used during an interview in his homeland.
And F1 said in a statement: “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. His tireless efforts to increase diversity and inclusion are a lesson to many and something we are committed to at F1.”
Meanwhile Hamilton’s Mercedes team wrote: “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.
“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.”
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Hamilton’s Merc pal George Russell tweeted: “Huge respect to LH. He has done more for the sport than any driver in history, not just on track but off it.
“The fact that he and so many others are STILL having to deal with this behaviour is unacceptable. We all need to stand together against discrimination of any kind.”
Kelly Piquet liked a post from a relative after her father used a racial slur against HamiltonCredit: Instagram
The post liked by Kelly defended her fatherCredit: Instagram @kellypiquet
Verstappen and Kelly have been dating for the last two yearsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/maxverstappen1/ More

GEORGE RUSSELL has slammed Nelson Piquet’s “unacceptable” behaviour after the Brazilian made a vile racist remark towards Lewis Hamilton.Hamilton called on F1 to take “action” after Piquet, 69, used the N-word to describe the Brit in an interview.
George Russell has taken to social media in support of Lewis HamiltonCredit: Getty
Nelson Piquet could be banned from F1 for life after he made a vile racist comment towards HamiltonCredit: Getty
And Russell, 24, has taken to Twitter to stand by his Mercedes teammate.
The Merc man praised Hamilton for his off-track campaigning, with the 37-year-old vocal in his support for the LGBTQ+ community and the Black Lives Matter movement.
He also highlighted the need for “discrimination of any kind” to be stamped out of the sport for good.
Writing on social media, Russell said: “Huge respect to LH [Lewis Hamilton]. He has done more for the sport than any driver in history, not just on track but off it.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-xpuujo{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-tqcu81{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-bq4915{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,97,108,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-bq4915:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}SHY GEORGE .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Russell says F1 fame doesn’t sit right and ‘it’s strange’ when he is recognised
“The fact that he and so many others are STILL having to deal with this behaviour is unacceptable.
“We all need to stand together against discrimination of any kind.”
Russell was responding to Hamilton’s original tweet calling for change after Piquet’s slur surfaced.
He is thought to have made the disgusting remark in an interview conducted in Brazil last year before it then surfaced on Tuesday.
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Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Motorsport.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}.css-1m4l212{display:inline-block;transition-property:color;transition-duration:200ms;transition-timing-function:cubic-bezier(0, 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300ms;animation:fadeIn 300ms;}@-webkit-keyframes fadeIn{from{opacity:0;}to{opacity:1;}}@keyframes fadeIn{from{opacity:0;}to{opacity:1;}}.css-1b3rpqk{width:470px;height:104px;margin:0;padding:0 16px 0 16px;border:1px solid #dcdddd;background-color:#ffffff;}.css-1ip4d38{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-4px/2);margin-right:calc(-4px/2);width:470px;height:104px;margin:0;padding:0 16px 0 16px;border:1px solid #dcdddd;background-color:#ffffff;}.css-14dqn90{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(4px/2);margin-right:calc(4px/2);}.css-12an5ma{font-family:The Sun;font-size:20px;line-height:1.2;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;padding:1px 0px;}.css-12an5ma::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.261875em + -1px);}.css-12an5ma::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:calc(-0.25em + -1.3px);}.css-dzrove{color:rgba(37,129,145,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;margin-right:4px;}.css-dzrove:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}SLUR SHAME .css-1efa55o{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1efa55o:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Who is Nelson Piquet, and what did he say about Lewis Hamilton?
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The three-time world champion is said to have been discussing a collision between Hamilton and Max Verstappen, who dates Piquet’s daughter, Kelly.
Writing on Twitter, Hamilton said: “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.”
F1 chiefs are understood to be considering banning Piquet for life following his slur.
A statement from F1 in support of Hamilton said: “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. His tireless efforts to increase diversity and inclusion are a lesson to many and something we are committed to at F1.” More

GEORGE RUSSELL will be far more comfortable with the tight turns at Silverstone than the tunnel of autograph hunters.The Mercedes man is a superstar attraction at the British Grand Prix this weekend — but fame does not sit too comfortably with the young driver from Norfolk.
New British F1 hero George Russell is a big hit with fans but is happiest with his quiet life at home in LondonCredit: Getty
George Russell and girlfriend Carmen Montero Mundt are still adjusting to fame
He is the only British-born F1 ace living in the UK, with Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris and Alex Albon all  in tax haven  Monaco.
Russell instead lives in a flat in London with his girlfriend Carmen Montero Mundt — and together they are slowly getting used to the fame.
The 24-year-old, who moved from Williams to partner Hamilton this season, said: “I’ve definitely noticed a change since joining Mercedes.
“Also because we’ve lived through this pandemic and we weren’t really going on the streets much or going out to dinner.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-bq4915:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}TAKE A STAND .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}If F1 chiefs truly aim to curb
racism they MUST act on Piquet’s Hamilton slur
“It was kind of like a bit of a slap in the face in terms of change.
“I feel like a normal guy. I appreciate what I do for a living is pretty spectacular.
“I am fortunate to do this but I don’t feel famous. I don’t think I’m famous.”
Apart from seven-time world champion Hamilton and reigning supremo Max Verstappen, Russell is probably the driver most fans will want to see at Silverstone.
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300ms;animation:fadeIn 300ms;}@-webkit-keyframes fadeIn{from{opacity:0;}to{opacity:1;}}@keyframes fadeIn{from{opacity:0;}to{opacity:1;}}.css-1b3rpqk{width:470px;height:104px;margin:0;padding:0 16px 0 16px;border:1px solid #dcdddd;background-color:#ffffff;}.css-1ip4d38{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-4px/2);margin-right:calc(-4px/2);width:470px;height:104px;margin:0;padding:0 16px 0 16px;border:1px solid #dcdddd;background-color:#ffffff;}.css-14dqn90{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(4px/2);margin-right:calc(4px/2);}.css-12an5ma{font-family:The Sun;font-size:20px;line-height:1.2;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;padding:1px 0px;}.css-12an5ma::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.261875em + -1px);}.css-12an5ma::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:calc(-0.25em + -1.3px);}.css-dzrove{color:rgba(37,129,145,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;margin-right:4px;}.css-dzrove:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}SLUR SHAME .css-1efa55o{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1efa55o:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Who is Nelson Piquet, and what did he say about Lewis Hamilton?
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He speaks with maturity and a Norfolk twang in his accent.
The King’s Lynn lad said: “Maybe other people will think differently. But I feel like George Russell.
“I still find it strange when  people recognise me in the street.
“A couple of times we’ve had paparazzi, like on holiday, which is something I’ve never experienced.
“Also, a couple of times fans have followed us in the streets.
“Most of the time it’s with good intentions but, knowing you’re being followed, it’s a bit of an uncomfortable position — especially when I’m walking around with my girlfriend.
“It’s nice they support you. And without the fans, this sport, and all of us, are nothing —  but sometimes I do feel more comfortable just staying at home.
“I just live in a nice little flat in London, it’s spot on for what I need. But I find myself just going from my floor down to the gym.
Mercedes star George Russell is still getting used to requests for photos from fansCredit: Getty
F1 driver George Russell and Carmen Montero Mundt relax at an NBA gameCredit: AP
“And the only place I would ever go for dinner would be across the road to my local.
“Just because I feel more comfortable doing that.  It’s less of a palaver for me and my girlfriend. She works in finance in the City and is incredibly supportive.
“When we first met, she didn’t know who I was or anything about F1. We’ve been on this journey together. She’s the person I spend the most amount of time with.”
Russell still  hopes the British GP can draw him into a title fight with Red Bull’s Verstappen.
He  is the only driver to make the top five of all nine races this year.Podiums in Australia, Spain and Azerbaijan have him fourth overall, ahead of team-mate Hamilton.
But his form  has largely gone under the radar, especially given the bouncing issues with the Merc.
And Russell believes it is only a matter of time before his team finally unlock their potential.
George Russell has 3.4milion followers on Instagram despite his reservations about life in the public eyeCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
In an interview at Mercedes’ Brackley HQ, he told SunSport: “I am only 18 points from second place in the drivers’ championship.
“Max looks bulletproof but things shift awfully quick and if we find an upturn in performance and  Ferrari also find one, who knows?
“Suddenly it could be a Mercedes one-two, Ferrari in three-four and Red Bull five-six. If you get on a run of races like that, it soon shifts.
“We’re focused on one thing and that is making the car go as fast as possible. If we focus on that, then the results will come with it.”
Asked if he was still in the title hunt, Russell added: “Absolutely and I see no reason why not.
“There’s a hell of a long way to go and a huge amount of development ongoing. I went to every single race for the last three years for  Williams thinking I could win it.
‘BIGGER PICTURE’
“You’ve got to believe it because if you don’t believe it, you’re defeated before you even start.”
Mercedes have won eight of the last nine British GPs and Russell says if they do it again he would not mind if it were him or Hamilton.
He added: “We both have eyes  on the top step of that podium.
“For now, I don’t really care if he’s ahead  and I don’t think he really cares if I’m ahead because there’s a bigger picture and we’re just trying to turn things around.
“But he’s been absolutely spot on, every single race. He’s always congratulated me if I’ve had a good result.
“There’s never been any hard  feelings, whatever the results or the outcome. He has nothing more to prove. He’s proven everything.”  More

FORMULA ONE chiefs are considering banning three-time world champ Nelson Piquet for LIFE after he racially abused Lewis Hamilton.Hamilton called on F1 to take “action” after the Brazilian used the N-word to describe the British star.
Formula One are considering banning three-time world champ Nelson Piquet for lifeCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
Piquet used a vile slur against Brit legend Hamilton = pictured in a Black Lives Matter shirt in 2020Credit: AFP
Lewis Hamilton takes a knee on the grid while wearing a shirt in support of Breonna TaylorCredit: Getty
Piquet’s slur is thought to have come in an interview conducted in Brazil last year — but surfaced on Tuesday.
The Brazilian, 69, is said to have been discussing a collision between Hamilton and Max Verstappen, who dates Piquet’s daughter, Kelly.
Seven-time world champion Hamilton wrote on social media: “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.”
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-xpuujo{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-tqcu81{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-bq4915{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,97,108,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-bq4915:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}’UNACCEPTABLE’ .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Lewis Hamilton blasts ‘it’s time for action’ after Piquet’s sick racial slur
The explosive row ramps up the pressure on F1 ahead of this weekend’s British Grand Prix.
F1 chiefs responded with a statement supporting Hamilton.
It read: “Discriminatory or racist language is unacceptable and has no part in society.
“Lewis is an incredible ambassador for our sport and deserves respect. His tireless efforts to increase diversity and inclusion are a lesson to many and something we are committed to at F1.”
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Hamilton’s biggest rival, Max Verstappen, is dating Piquet’s daughter Kelly
Nelson Piquet, Max Verstappen and Kelly PiquetCredit: u/caboose979
Colin Kaepernick first took a knee ahead of an NFL pre-season game in 2016 and others have followedCredit: AP
Hamilton’s Mercedes team also slammed Piquet, who won the world championship with Brabham in 1981 and 1983 and again with Williams in 1987.
They said: “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.
“This incident underlines the fundamental importance of continuing to strive for a brighter future.”
Hamilton’s initial campaign to highlight racism started when he supported Colin Kaepernick, the former NFL player who in 2016 took the knee during the American national anthem in protest, but has since escalated.
It has evolved from him taking a knee or wearing protest t-shirts before races – incidents which have not sat especially well with the F1 hierarchy.
In September 2020 at the Tuscan GP, he wore a t-shirt saying ‘Arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor’ – sparking panic at F1 and their governing body, the FIA, given the organisation is supposed to remain politically neutral.
Taylor, 26, was shot dead when officers stormed her apartment in Kentucky on a search warrant for drugs in March 2020.
Hamilton has also not been afraid to use his voice and speak out on not only racism but also inclusivity and LGBT rights.
Sometimes when it was not especially comfortable for him to do so, given the political situation in certain countries, again causing a considerable headache for F1.
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But his actions have resulted in positive trends across the paddock as other teams have started to focus on improving their own diversity.
Hamilton’s abuse came as Red Bull terminated the contract of Estonian reserve driver Juri Vips, 21, for using racist language during a live gaming stream.
Red Bull wrote: “The team do not condone any form of racism.” More

IF Formula One chiefs are serious about their anti-racism campaign then they MUST take action after Lewis Hamilton received more racial abuse.F1 launched their #WeRaceAsOne initiative in 2020 aimed at improving diversity and stamping out racism.
Lewis Hamilton says ‘the time has come for action’ and slammed the archaic mindset’ of people like Nelson PiquetCredit: EPA
Ex-world champ Nelson Piquet should face tough action from F1 bosses over his slur against Lewis HamiltonCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
Max Verstappen faces tough questions ahead of the British GP as he is dating Nelson Piquet’s daughter KellyCredit: u/caboose979
But there are now calls for them to take substantial action against Nelson Piquet after the three-times world champion used a racial slur towards the Brit in an interview.
It makes for an explosive start to the British Grand Prix weekend where Max Verstappen will be quizzed about Piquet’s comments – given he dates the Brazilian’s daughter, Kelly.
The flashpoint came after Piquet was interviewed about Verstappen and Hamilton’s clash at the British GP last year, where the Dutchman ended up in hospital for a check up.
Hamilton received racial abuse and even death threats on social media following the accident at Silverstone, for which Piquet says he was at fault.
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The controversial interview was recorded in Portuguese back in November and why the comments have taken so long to come into circulation is neither here nor there.
It is the fact Piquet chose to say the offensive word in the first place which highlights how much work still needs to be done to stop racism.
F1 and Hamilton have not always seen eye to eye with their messaging, as his protests have left them feeling uneasy.
He has called them out on a number of occasions, most recently in Saudi Arabia where he called on F1 “to do more” to highlight the social issues in the country.
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He has listened to all the promises for action and support but he now wants to see some form of action from the sport.
This latest controversy with Piquet will prove to be an acid test to see if F1’s “WRAO” initiative is working or nothing more than a colourful hashtag.
Hamilton’s initial campaign to highlight racism started when he supported Colin Kaepernick, the former NFL player who in 2016 took the knee during the American national anthem in protest, but has since escalated.
It has evolved from him taking a knee or wearing protest t-shirts before races – incidents which have not sat especially well with the F1 hierarchy.
In September 2020 at the Tuscan GP, he wore a t-shirt saying ‘Arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor’ – sparking panic at F1 and their governing body, the FIA, given the organisation is supposed to remain politically neutral.
Taylor, 26, was shot dead when officers stormed her apartment in Kentucky on a search warrant for drugs in March 2020.
Hamilton has also not been afraid to use his voice and speak out on not only racism but also inclusivity and LGBT rights.
Lewis Hamilton is worried racism issues are not being properly tackledCredit: Getty
Colin Kaepernick taking the knee was supported by Lewis HamiltonCredit: AP
Sometimes when it was not especially comfortable for him to do so, given the political situation in certain countries, again causing a considerable headache for F1.
But his actions have resulted in positive trends across the paddock as other teams have started to focus on improving their own diversity.
Within his own Mercedes team there have been notable changes to their business as a consequence of his actions.
Between 2021 and 2025, Mercedes’s F1 team have a programme that requires 25 percent of new starters to be from under-represented backgrounds.
Last year, that figure was actually 38 percent and the team doubled its members from minority ethnic backgrounds.
Nelson Piquet has been accused of having an ‘archaic mindset’Credit: Getty
He’s also put his money in too and started his own foundation following a commission into why there were so few minorities working in F1.
The upshot is that he has put in £20million into the “Mission 44” project which will train teachers from under-represented backgrounds in the subjects of science, technology, maths and engineering, in the hope that encourages more children to go into motorsport.
Mercedes and Hamilton too formed a joint charitable partnership to build a more diverse UK motorsport sector with the first grants due to be paid very soon.
He is making a difference and when he eventually stops competing, unlike Piquet, he will have more legacy than simply world titles.
He will have changed the motorsport landscape for good but for the time being, the sport has more to do – and that is now in the hands of F1 and what they do with Piquet to send the right message loud and clear.
For as his comments prove, there is still a long way to go before racism in F1 sees the chequered flag. More