A few days before the British Grand Prix, racist comments made by Nelson Beckett, former world champion and father of Max Verstappen, against Lewis Hamilton several months ago, resurfaced.
The world of Formula 1 is shaken by intense controversy. As the British Grand Prix kicks off on Sunday at Silverstone, the racist comments made by former world champion Nelson Piquet (1981, 1983, 1987) against Lewis Hamilton resurfaced. The Brazilian, who is also Max Verstappen’s stepfather, is in a relationship with his daughter Kelly, could have made the comments, which were reported by CNN Brazil, last November during an interview with Motorsports.
Asked about the rivalry between Hamilton and Verstappen, he returned to the crash at full speed between the drivers at the same British Grand Prix last year, calling the seven-time world champion the Briton a “little nigger”. “The little nigger (Lewis Hamilton) put his car in and left it because there was no way to pass two cars in that corner. (…) He’s lucky, only the other (Verstappen) was screwed up,” would have declared Pique.
Nelson Piquet calls Lewis Hamilton a “nigger” during interview https://t.co/x3j04knqhk
– CNN Brazil (CNNBrasil) 27 June 2022
Formula 1 has strongly condemned these racist insults “Discriminatory or racist language is in any way unacceptable and has no role in society. Lewis is a wonderful 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 in F1,” the body responded that F1 runs.
– Formula 1 (@F1) June 28, 2022
For its part, the Mercedes team also denounced the insults, and gave its full support to its driver. “We condemn in the strongest terms any use of racist or discriminatory language of any kind. Lewis has led our sport’s efforts to combat racism, and is a true champion for diversity on and off the track. Together we share a vision for diverse and inclusive motorsport, and this incident underscores on the fundamental importance of continuing the struggle for a better future.”
– Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@mercedesAMGF1) June 28, 2022
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