Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff hails 'strong' Lewis Hamilton after 'incomprehensible' comments from Nelson Piquet

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has praised Lewis Hamilton as «strong» amid a continuing controversy caused by Nelson Piquet’s racist comments. Piquet has been largely shunned by Formula One since his racist comments. Ad/> Speaking from the paddock, drivers, including Max Verstappen, said the words were unacceptable.

British Grand PrixBottas quickest in first session in rain-hit action at Silverstone, Hamilton secondAN HOUR AGO «You need to be taught that these type of things cannot be said — or used in general,» said Verstappen. «And that's what we are working on, F1 — and of course, Lewis, they are working on that for the future and all the drivers are behind that. We are all supporting that.» Speaking to the BBC, Hamilton received the backing from Mercedes team principal Wolff.

«It's absolutely incomprehensible some of the comments that have been made,» said Wolff. «These comments from the sidelines are disappointing. Russell: Mercedes is like 'riding an old bike with no suspension' Verstappen insists Piquet is 'not a racist' as Hamilton hits out at 'older voices' Piquet apologises for Hamilton comments but denies racist intent »But he is strong; we have seen in the past, in the face of that adversity, things that have been thrown at him, the stronger he has got.

And that's what I have realised this week, again." Hamilton said: «Discrimination is not something we should be giving a platform. »We need people to be bringing people together. We are all the same and the comments we are seeing are not helpful." Hamilton is a seven-time champion, holding a record shared with Michael Schumacher and is seen as one of the greatest drivers of all time.