Piquet under fire after racist remark about Hamilton

After Juri Vips was suspended for using the N-word in an online stream, a video has now surfaced of Nelson Piquet. In a broadcast of the British Grand Prix, the Brazilian is said to have used the word after the touché between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. Why the moment has only surfaced now is unclear.

F1 and Mercedes make a statement

In a statement to BBC journalist Andrew Benson, Formula 1 distanced itself from the statements: ''Discriminatory or racist language is unacceptable in any form and has no part in society. Lewis is an incredible ambassador for our sport and deserves respect. Hamilton's tireless efforts to increase diversity and inclusion are a lesson to many.''

Mercedes also responded to the video: ''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.''

"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." 4/4

— Andrew Benson (@andrewbensonf1) June 28, 2022