Lewis Hamilton: Mercedes and Formula 1 condemn racially abusive language used by Nelson Piquet about British driver

Nelson Piquet, world champion in 1981, 1983 and 1987, used the term during a podcast last November, with the comments resurfacing ahead of the British GP at Silverstone; Formula 1 and Mercedes both released statements in support of Lewis Hamilton

Formula 1 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.

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A look back at all of Lewis Hamilton’s eight record-breaking British GP wins at Silverstone.

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.”

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Karun Chandhok was at the SkyPad to take a closer look at the collision between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen during lap one of the British GP.

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.”

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

When is the British GP on Sky Sports?

Silverstone – the home of British motorsport and a cornerstone of F1 since its 1950 debut – hosts the 10th round of an absorbing 2022 season, and Sky Sports has you covered from Thursday through to Sunday’s race.

On an action-packed weekend and we’ll also have the return of the live F1 Show from Silverstone on Thursday, in which drivers will be joining us for more exclusive interviews. The Show will also be live on the Sky Sports F1 YouTube channel.

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The Formula 1 2022 season speeds onto Silverstone this weekend for the world famous British Grand Prix, all live on Sky Sports F1.

All the action can also be followed online and via our digital platforms and streams. Plus, there will also be extensive updates on Sky Sports News.

Sky Sports F1 is your home for every race this season and here’s the full schedule for the British Grand Prix…

Sky Sports F1’s British Grand Prix Schedule

Thursday, June 30
6pm: The F1 Show

Friday, July 1
9.35am: F3 Practice
10.45am: F2 Practice
12.30pm: British GP Practice One Build-up (session starts 1pm)
2.50pm: F3 Qualifying
3.35pm: British GP Practice Two Build-up (session starts 4pm)
5.25pm: F2 Qualifying
6.10pm: W Series Qualifying

Saturday, July 2
9.50am: F3 Sprint Race
11.45am: British GP Practice Three Build-up (session starts 12pm)
1.10pm: W Series Race
2.10pm: British GP Qualifying Build-up
3pm: British GP Qualifying
4.55pm: F2 Sprint Race
6pm: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook

Sunday, July 3
8.30am: F3 Feature Race
10am: F2 Feature Race
1.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: British GP Build-up
3pm: THE 2022 BRITISH GRAND PRIX
5pm: British GP reaction: Chequered Flag
6pm: Ted’s Notebook

F1 2022 heads to Silverstone for the big event of the motorsport summer. Join Sky Sports F1 for extensive coverage across the British GP weekend – the race starts at 3pm on Sunday, July 3.