In the last few days the Formula 1 has garnered media attention for an episode that has very little to do with racing. The “scandal” episode features the three-time world champion Nelson Piquet, and Lewis Hamilton, for which the former Brazilian driver has not reserved words of affection. Commenting on the bad contact between Hamilton and Verstappen at Silverstone 2021, Piquet referred to Hamilton with the term "n***etto". The interview, made last November, resurfaced on social media on the eve of the weekend Silverstone, has been around the world arousing opposing reactions and responses. The theme of racism every now and then it comes back to the surface and Lewis is not new to these situations.
English is an easy target for keyboard lions, especially now that it struggles on the track. The episode has gathered the opinions of a huge audience, and in this there are just the pilots who during the press conference at Silverstone they expressed themselves on what happened and on the theme of racism.
Audience divided but not among the pilots
There are those on social media who have sided with Piquet, who yesterday evening with a statement apologized to Hamilton. Furthermore, the Brazilian driver justified the use of the term by arguing that it is not racism but a commonly used term in South American culture. In many however, including important personalities and pilots, they sided with Lewis.
Vettel: “we need to talk about it"
The first in the conference to talk about it without problems, openly and with great interest is Sebastian Vettel. The four-time world champion he spoke for about 2 minutes, and as Norris also pointed out, he really said everything there was to say on the subject of racism. A problem that is not new, but that must be addressed and not hidden.
"Where do I start? I think it's not just about the recent days to be honest, it's about everything he's had to go through in his life." In fact, Sebastian underlined Hamilton's continuous struggle that since he was a child he found himself facing everything alone, together with his family.
“Every form of abuse is wrongSo a strong and rapid reaction from the entire F1 community in support of Lewis is welcome. I don't think there can be room for this kind of statement, we've come a long way compared to a few years ago, but it doesn't help when episodes of this type happen: there are people who use inappropriate terms and say the wrong things. We need to keep talking about these things because this problem will not go away overnight. It would be great if that were the case, but it's a bigger question, and F1 has a responsibility in all of this, we're trying to do something, we have the #WeRaceAsOne campaign. There are many things we must try to do, it is important how we behave and include anyone, regardless of skin color or sexual orientation. Any community is welcome, we are open to anyone and it must be reiterated. The kindness of people makes the difference".
Norris in chorus
The Norris wanted to express his opinion: “Vettel gave a perfect explanation. I don't think Lewis has gone through this just now, I think he's been through it his entire career. but we all know that he is strong, but as Seb said there is no room for those who say certain things. It's not nice, we are in F1 and we want to be able to create positive changes. We want to improve the world and we have to work in the right direction for many issues. I expressed my support for Lewis, but Vettel's words were more effective."
Lewis's reply
Already after the incident came immediately there response by Lewis Hamilton who launched a message that does not specifically concern his case but a broader view of the problem. Also during the press conference at Silverstone Lewis spoke of the case that has involved him in the last two days. “I am grateful to all those in F1 who have shown me their support (after Piquet's words, ed). There are still many challenges ahead of us. I have often experienced manifestations of racism, criticism or negativity. And often even sneaky discrimination. But I look at the overall picture and I don't understand why we continue to give space to those who no longer represent F1. F1 looks to South Africa and we need to give young people a different platform. And it's not just a matter of one person. The reaction from F1 and the FIA was instinctive and prompt, but we really need to start acting. Media and F1 shouldn't give space to these people."
Password: inclusion
Lewis' commitment seeks to go beyond simple – but not so simple – mutual respect. “We are all the same, we have to bring people together. Here I am, still strong, focused on my work. And I push for diversity and inclusion in this sport, to sign a document that demonstrates a real commitment. I hope that a first step has been taken. But I need everyone's help."
Statement source: Formula Passion, Sky Sport F1
