Lewis Hamilton called for action to change “archaic mindsets” after a bigoted comment about him by Brazilian triple champion Nelson Piquet arose via on social media, setting off far and wide condemnation.
In a Brazilian interview on YouTube in November, Piquet, involved a racial slur in Portuguese while alluding to the seven-time title holder, while remarking on Hamilton’s British Grand Prix crash with Max Verstappen.
He additionally said Hamilton had “played dirty” in the occurrence. Piquet’s daughter Kelly is Verstappen’s accomplice, and the remarks reemerged as the drivers get ready to get back to Silverstone this end of the week.
Hamilton, who was recently awarded honorary Brazilian citizenship and is the sport’s only Black driver, responded on Twitter.
“It’s more than language. These archaic mindsets need to change and have no place in our sport. I have been surrounded by these attitudes and targeted my whole life. There has been plenty of time to learn. Time has come for action.”
Formula One and Mercedes all gave articulations censuring prejudice however without referencing Piquet by name.
“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,” Formula One said.
Mercedes said Hamilton was “a true champion of diversity on and off track”, while FIA communicated fortitude and backing for the Briton’s “commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in motor sport”.
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