Nelson Piquet apologizes to Lewis Hamilton for interview comments – but denies racist intent | UK News

Nelson Piquet has “wholeheartedly” apologized to Lewis Hamilton – but “strongly condemns any suggestion” the expression he used when referring to the F1 driver in an interview was racially insulting.

Three-time world champion – who is the father of Max Verstappen’s partner, Kelly Piquet – allegedly used a racial slur in Portuguese while discussing the collision between Hamilton and Verstappen during the 2021 British GP on a Brazilian podcast last November.

The word used by the 69-year-old is said to be equivalent or nearly identical to the word N.

But he insisted the word he used was mistranslated and denied it was “used by me with the intent of belittling a driver because of the color of his skin”.

Piquet said in a statement: “I would like to clarify the stories circulating in the media about a comment I made in an interview last year.

“What I am saying is not thought out and I am not advocating it, but I will clarify that the term used is one that has been widely and historically used in Brazilian Portuguese as a synonym for ‘boy’ or ‘person’ and was never intended to be offensive.

“I will never use the word that I have been accused of in some translations. I strongly condemn any suggestion that this word was used by me with the intent to belittle a driver. because of the color of his skin.

“I wholeheartedly apologize to anyone affected, including Lewis, who is an incredible racer, but the translation in some of the media currently circulating on social media is incorrect. Discrimination has no place in F1 or society and I’m happy to clarify my thoughts on that aspect.”

The comments were made yesterday and Formula 1, its governing body the FIA, and Hamilton’s team Mercedes immediately condemned the language.

Hamilton also responded by tweeting: “It’s more than language. These classical mindsets need to change and have no place in our sport. I’ve been surrounded by these attitudes and aim for a lifetime. There’s plenty of time to learn. Time has acted.”

Mercedes driver companion George Russell and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc also supported Hamilton by posting messages of support on Twitter.

Russell said Hamilton has “done more for the sport than any other driver in history, not only on the track but on the track”, adding: “His job and so much. others are STILL facing this behavior as unacceptable. We all need to come together to fight discrimination of any kind.”

Leclerc said: “Knowing Lewis since I came to Formula 1, he has always had great respect for me and everyone he meets. Those values ​​should be the standard for anyone around the world.

“Remarks towards Lewis should not be tolerated, and we should continue to promote a more diverse and inclusive sport. We need to eliminate discriminatory behavior and racist language.” in all its forms not only in our sport but also in our society.”