Former F1 driver Nelson Piquet apologises for racism incident
Nelson Piquet who was a Formula 1 world Champion three times during the 1980s used a derogatory term against Lewis Hamilton in an interview that was conducted last November but made public on Monday night.
Piquet was speaking in Portuguese about Max Verstappen's and Lewis Hamilton's clash at last years British grand prix at Silverstone which resulted in the Dutch driver skidding off the track to suffer a big impact against the barriers.
In a video from the interview which was picked up by CNN, which reported his words, an epithet was included that can be translated to the N-word.
In response to this, Piquet has “wholeheartedly” apologised but insists there has been some mistranslation.
Piquet said in a statement: “I would like to clear up the stories circulating in the media about a comment I made in an interview last year.
"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. 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.”
Lewis Hamilton's team, Mercedes, have shown their support for the driver:
“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."
Hamilton has always stood up to racism and been vocal about his experiences, and this incident is no different.
On Twitter he expressed how it is time for action:
The sport has been in the limelight recently as only last week Red Bull test driver Jüri Vips used a racial slur on a live steam whilst playing a video game.
Red Bull racing have terminated the driver's contract and put out a statement:
“Following its investigation into an online incident involving Jüri Vips, Oracle Red Bull Racing has terminated Jüri’s contract as its test and reserve driver,”
“The team do not condone any form of racism.”
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