F1 and Mercedes respond to Piquet's racist comments about Hamilton

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 condemned the former driver's racial slurs and praised Hamilton's efforts and commitment.

"Discriminatory or racist language is unacceptable in any form and has no part in society," read the message.

"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."

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.