Lewis Hamilton has called for a new mindset after three-time Formula One driver Nelson Piquet used a racial slur against him.
Piquet used the phrase “nigga” to describe Hamilton during a 2021 podcast. The clip has only just been released, leading to reactions not just from Hamilton but also from Hamilton’s Mercedes team, Formula One and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile.
On his Twitter page on June 28, Hamilton described Piquet’s words as more than language. He described the mindset behind Piquet’s actions as archaic and that they need to change. He also hr has been similarly targeted his whole life.
His tweet elicited mostly sympathy, with some Brazilians taking to the comments to apologise to him and let him know that Piquet, who won the championship in 1981, 1983 and 1987, does not represent them. Instead, they affirmed their love for Hamilton.
In a statement, the Mercedes Benz Formula One team condemned “in the strongest terms” the use of any racist or discriminatory language while also emphasising its vision for a diverse and inclusive motorsport.
Lewis Hamilton is the only black driver in Formula One and has won seven titles to date.
Will the wave of condemnations put an end to racism? Time will tell.
