After Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen collided on the first lap of the 2021 British Grand Prix, three-time Formula 1 World Champion Nelson Piquet was critical of Hamilton and called him a racial slur in Portuguese on a podcast. Now, the seven-time champ has responded to Piquet’s slur and called on changing the “archaic mindsets” that have surrounded Hamilton his entire life.
Hamilton, who was recently granted honorary Brazilian citizenship, called for change and action and even posted in Portuguese, “Let’s focus on changing the mindset.”
It’s more than language. These archaic mindsets need to change and have no place in our sport. I’ve been surrounded by these attitudes and targeted my whole life. There has been plenty of time to learn. Time has come for action.
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) June 28, 2022
Vamos focar em mudar a mentalidade
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) June 28, 2022
Many, including Hamilton’s teammate George Russell, have praised Hamilton for his comments. But many others have doubts the FIA and Formula 1 will actually do anything to Piquet. Other than making standard “we’re against racism” PR statements. As of Tuesday morning, Piquet, Verstappen, and Oracle Red Bull Racing haven’t responded to what Piquet said or Hamilton’s response to what was said. Verstappen is currently dating Piquet’s daughter.
