It is stormy for the racist phrases uttered by former world champion Nelson Piquet at the address of Lewis Hamilton .

The facts actually date back to November 2021 but the sentences, pronounced during an interview, have emerged strongly in these days and have provoked the harsh reaction of the driver and the entire Formula 1 environment .

Commenting on a contact between the Englishman and Verstappen during the British GP, the former world champion said: “The ne ** etto positioned the car so that Verstappen could not steer. The n ** etto did it because he knew they couldn't do that bend in two. He was lucky that only the other car crashed, he acted dirty ”.

" Discriminatory or racist language is unacceptable in any form and has no place in society - this is F1's position today - Lewis is an incredible ambassador for our sport and deserves respect. His tireless efforts for diversity and inclusion are a a lesson for many and something we are committed to even in Formula One ". "We strongly condemn any kind of racist or discriminatory language - Mercedes sides - Lewis has led our sport's efforts to fight racism and is a true champion of diversity on and off the track."

Shortly after, an official statement from the FIA arrived which aligns with the F1 note: “The FIA strongly condemns any racist or discriminatory language and behavior, they must not find space in sport or in society in general. We express our solidarity with Lewis Hamilton and fully support his commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in motorsport ”.

So the words of Lewis Hamilton on social networks: "It is not simply a question of language", clarifies the Mercedes driver. “These archaic mentalities must change and cannot find space in our sport. I have been surrounded and targeted by these attitudes all my life. We've had a long time to learn, now it's time to act. Let's focus on a change of mentality ”.

(Unioneonline / vl)

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