Lewis Hamilton has received support from Formula 1 and Mercedes after Nelson Piquet used racist language while talking about the seven-time World Champion. Calling Hamilton 'neguinho' - a racial Portuguese term - when referring to the accident between the Mercedes driver and Red Bull's Max Verstappen at last year's British Grand Prix, Piquet accused him of sending his rival into the barriers on purpose. "The neguinho put the car in the wrong way on the corner," three-time title winner Piquet was quoted as saying in a video released by Brazilian publication Estadao .
F1: Racist language is unacceptable in any form
In a message issued to media including RacingNews365.com , an F1 spokesperson condemnedthe former driver's racial slurs and praised Hamilton's efforts and commitment. "Discriminatory or racist language is unacceptable in any formand has no part in society," read the message. "Lewis is an incredible ambassador for our sport anddeserves respect. His tireless efforts to increase diversity and inclusion area lesson to many and something we are committed to at F1." Mercedes also took to social media to "condemn in the strongest terms any use of racist or discriminatory language of any kind". Piquet is the father of Verstappen's partner, Kelly.
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pic.twitter.com/qk6cqEbVZR — Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) June 28, 2022
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