Nelson Piquet has been accused by three Brazilian MPs of committing a racial crime with his slur aimed at Lewis Hamilton.
The disgraced Formula 1 champion used a slang variation of the n-word when referring to the Mercedes driver in an interview from last year. Footage of that slur recently resurfaced, along with a second video in which he appears to use both racist and homophobic language while speaking about Hamilton.
Now, three politicians in Brazil want Piquet, 69, to face legal charges over his racist slurs. Socialism and Liberty Party members Aurea Carolina, Taliria Petrone and Vivi Reis called on prosecutors to take action. "Racism, which structures our society, needs to be fought everywhere," said former teacher Petrone, who represents Rio de Janeiro.
The MPs added: "Treating black human beings in a clearly pejorative way, as Mr Nelson Piquet does, goes against practices for implementing equality." Lawyer Renan Gandolfi told local reporters Piquet could face a criminal probe, which could end with a jail term of up to three years plus a fine if criminally convicted.
It is not currently clear if prosecutors in the capital Brasilia will act upon the request from the MPs. No official comment from prosecutors has yet been made on the case, which technically involves two Brazilians after Hamilton was given honorary citizenship by the country's government earlier this year.
Piquet released a public apology to Hamilton after the footage emerged, but still insisted there was no racial intent behind his language. "I would never use the word I have been accused of in some translations," he claimed. "I strongly condemn any suggestion that the word was used by me with the aim of belittling a driver because of his skin colour.
"I apologise wholeheartedly to anyone that was affected, including Lewis, who is an incredible driver. But the translation in some media that is now circulating on social media is not correct. Discrimination has no place in F1 or society and I am happy to clarify my thoughts in that respect."
The Brazilian was banned from this weekend's British Grand Prix after his honorary membership of the British Racing Drivers Club was suspended. The BRDC is also expected to fully kick Piquet out at an upcoming board meeting.
The FIA is yet to formally announce any sanctions against Piquet, but it is expected that he will be banned from entering the F1 paddock at any venue going forward.
