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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#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