Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen and more F1 drivers rally to support Lewis Hamilton amid racial abuse

Multiple Formula 1 drivers have shared their support of Sir Lewis Hamilton and called for serious change following the racial abuse incidents that have rocked the sport.

Earlier in the week, a video of former world champion Nelson Piquet using a racial slur when discussing Hamilton emerged, sparking widespread condemnation of the Brazilian and support for the British sporting legend.

In addition, Red Bull terminated the contract of their junior driver and F2 racer Juri Vips after he used the same word during a live stream on Twitch last week.

There have already been statements from F1, the FIA and several drivers and teams in response to the two incidents, while Hamilton has already spoken several times on the issue.

On Thursday, at the press conferences ahead of the weekend’s British Grand Prix, drivers commented further on the matter:

Max Verstappen, Red Bull and reigning world champion

‘It’s not correct to use these words in general all over the world not just in Formula 1.

‘I think it all starts with education nowadays from a younger age. At home, at schools you need to be taught that these kind of things cannot be said or used in general and that’s what F1 together with Lewis are working on for the future and all the drivers are behind that.’

George Russell, Mercedes and Hamilton’s teammate

‘These two events are obviously horrible to see in today’s day and age.

‘We all need to stand together to stamp this out. We as drivers and teams and the sport need to use our platform for the greater good and we need to see change.’

Sebastian Vettel, Aston Martin and four-time world champion

‘Any form of abuse is wrong so I think it was great to see that there was so much response from all of the F1 community. So quickly people responded