The three-time world champion made racist statements last November Lewis Hamilton. It is not the first time that the former Brazilian driver has expressed himself with words that are anything but adequate, about the various protagonists of the Circus. On the eve of Silverstone GP the echo of that terrible exit returned like a cold shower, unleashing anger and indignation on social media. This led FIA, F1 e Mercedes to a public response for condemn the fact, although Piquet's name never appears in the various complaints.
The episode was brought out by the Brazilian media, just a week after the scandal involving the young driver of the Red Bull, Juri vips. The Academy driver was suspended from the team for using racist and homophobic expressions during a match live streamed on Twitch.
The episode
The episode from which everything would have started was Silverstone 2021. The first big one physical fight between the two title contenders: Max Verstappen e Lewis Hamilton. Nelson Piquet in defending Verstappen, even as "father-in-law" if we want, given the Dutchman's engagement with his daughter, he refers to Lewis with discriminatory words. "The n***er put the car the wrong way on the corner in such a way as not to make Verstappen swerve. The n***e did it because he knew that they couldn't do that curve in two. He was lucky that only the other car crashed, he acted dirty.“ – said the three-time title winner Piquet in a video published by the Brazilian publication Stay.
F1: Racist language is unacceptable in any form
In sport, as well as in all other aspects of our lives there should be no room for discrimination. Yet episodes like this, although they are recidivist for the driver who has demonstrated clarity more on the track than in life, underline that there is still a long way to go. Although there are many personalities and drivers, like the same Lewis Hamilton, who try to do everything possible to raise awareness, especially among the new generations, it is clear that on the other side there is still a very high wall to be knocked down.
FIA e F1 have lined up alongside Hamilton and the Mercedesa tweet that reads: “Discriminatory and racist language is unacceptable and has no place in any form within society. Lewis is a great ambassador for our sport and deserves respect. His tireless efforts in promoting inclusion and diversity are an example for many people and F1 is also totally involved and committed in this direction.".
Also the reaction of FIA, condemns the episode, albeit without citing the person concerned, even if it is now obvious to the public. “The FIA strongly condemns any language and racist or discriminatory behavior, which have no place in sport or society in general. We express our solidarity with Lewis Hamilton and fully support his commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in motor sport. "
