Lewis Hamilton said it was “time to act” after being the subject of a racially derogatory term used by three-time Formula One world champion Nelson Piquet. Formula One and motorsport’s governing body FIA condemned the 69-year-old Brazilian, who made the comment in a podcast.
“It’s not just language,” Hamilton tweeted. “These archaic mindsets need to change and have no place in our sport.
“I’ve been surrounded by these attitudes and targets all my life. There’s been plenty of time to learn. It’s time to act.”
In a separate tweet, Hamilton posted in Portuguese: “Focus on changing your mind.”
Piquet, who won the world championships in 1981, 1983 and 1987, was discussing a crash between Hamilton and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen on the first track of last year’s British Grand Prix when he used it. use this term.
His daughter, Kelly, is Verstappen’s partner.
“Discriminatory or racist language is unacceptable in any form and has no role in society,” Formula One said in a statement.
“Lewis is an incredible ambassador for our sport and deserves respect.
“His tireless efforts to increase diversity and inclusion are a lesson for many and something we are committed to doing at F1.”
In a statement, the FIA said: “The FIA strongly condemns any racist or discriminatory language and behavior that has no place in sport or the wider society.
“We express our solidarity with Lewis Hamilton and fully support his commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in motor sport.”
Hamilton, the only black driver on the grid, has been an outspoken campaigner for more diversity in the sport.
The seven-time world champion regularly shows “black life issues” on his outfit and takes his knees before races into the 2020 season following the murder of George Floyd in the US.
Hamilton has also campaigned for LGBTQ+ rights and environmental issues.
“We condemn in the strongest terms any use of racist or discriminatory language of any kind,” Mercedes, Hamilton’s team, said in a statement.
“Lewis has spearheaded efforts to combat racism in our sport and he’s a true champion of diversity on and off the track.
“Together, we share a vision of a diverse and inclusive motorsport, and this incident underscores the fundamental importance of continuing to strive for a brighter future.”
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Hamilton will return to home action this weekend for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and was automatically generated from the syndication feed.)
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