F1 and Mercedes condemn racism after former world champion uses 'N word' to describe Lewis Hamilton

F1 and Mercedes condemn racism after former world champion uses 'N word' to describe Lewis Hamilton
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Aden-Jay Wood

By Aden-Jay Wood


Published: 28/06/2022

- 11:46

Updated: 28/06/2022

- 13:15

Mercedes highlighted the matter as a reason to 'strive for a brighter future'

Formula One and Mercedes have condemned racist language used by former world champion Nelson Piquet towards Lewis Hamilton.

An interview conducted following the 2021 British Grand Prix has surfaced in which Piquet, 69, uses a racial epithet.


The Brazilian discussed a collision between Hamilton and his title-rival Max Verstappen which saw the Dutchman retire from the race, using the "N Word" to describe the Mercedes driver.

The comments have only just come to light and Formula One issued a statement immediately supporting seven-time champion Hamilton.

File photo dated 15-07-2021 of Mercedes Lewis Hamilton. Formula One and Mercedes have condemned racist language used by former world champion Nelson Piquet towards Lewis Hamilton. Issue date: Tuesday June 28, 2022.
Lewis Hamilton
Bradley Collyer

Former world champion Nelson Piquet
Former world champion Nelson Piquet
WikiCommons

The statement read: “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.”

Mercedes, too, highlighted the matter as a reason to “strive for a brighter future”.

“We condemn in the strongest terms any use of racist or discriminatory language of any kind,” their statement read.

“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.”

Hamilton has also spoken out on the matter in a statement on Twitter.

He wrote: "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."

Piquet has a history of making controversial comments after openly questioning former F1 driver Ayrton Senna's sexuality during his driving days.

While he also previously made other comments towards former teammate Nigel Mansell and his wife.

Piquet has been contacted for comment.

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