Lewis Hamilton is a tireless campaigner for equality in Formula 1 and beyond
(Picture: PA)Lewis Hamilton has called for action to change “archaic mindsets” after being the subject of racially abusive language used by Nelson Piquet.
Formula 1 has condemned its three-time world champion Piquet after he used a racial slur to criticise Hamilton.
Piquet was speaking in Portuguese on a podcast and discussing last year’s crash between Hamilton and title rival Max Verstappen at the British Grand Prix when he used the term.
Piquet’s comments came during the interview late last year but did not come to wider attention until resurfacing on social media last week.
“It’s more than language,” Hamilton wrote on social media. “These archaic mindsets need to change and have no place in our sport. I’ve been surrounded by these attitudes and targeted my whole life.
It’s more than language. These archaic mindsets need to change and have no place in our sport. I’ve been surrounded by these attitudes and targeted my whole life. There has been plenty of time to learn. Time has come for action.
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) June 28, 2022
“There has been plenty of time to learn. Time has come for action.”
Earlier on Tuesday, Formula 1, governing body the FIA and Hamilton’s Mercedes team all released statements condemning Piquet and offering their full support to Hamilton.
"Discriminatory or racist language is unacceptable in any form and has no part in society,” F1 said.
"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.”
— Formula 1 (@F1) June 28, 2022
Mercedes added: "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."
The FIA said in their own statement: “The FIA strongly condemns any racist or discriminatory language and behaviour, which have no place in sport or wider society.
“We express our solidarity with Lewis Hamilton and fully support his commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in motor sport.”
