F1, FIA and Mercedes condemn Piquet's racist slur about Hamilton

Formula 1, the FIA and Mercedes have condemned racially abusive language used by former world champion Nelson Piquet about Lewis Hamilton.

Piquet used a racially offensive expression in Portuguese when referring to Hamilton during a Brazilian podcast last November.

The 69-year-old was discussing the collision between Hamilton and Max Verstappen during the 2021 British GP, with the comments resurfacing on social media ahead of the first anniversary of the crash.

The choice of words by Piquet was criticised by Formula 1, who said in a statement: "Discriminatory or racist language is unacceptable in any form and has no part in society.

"Lewis is an incredible ambassador for our sport and deserves respect. His tireless efforts to increase diversity and inclusion are a lesson to many and something we are committed to at F1."

Hamilton's team Mercedes said: "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."

The FIA, Formula 1's governing body, also released a statement on social media in support of Hamilton, saying: "The FIA strongly condemns any racist or discriminatory language and behaviour, which have no place in sport or wider society.

"We express our solidarity with Lewis Hamilton and fully support his commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in motor sport."

Piquet is the father of Verstappen's partner, Kelly Piquet.

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