Nelson Piquetworld champion of formula 1 in 1981, 1983 and 1987, he is at the center of the controversy for an outburst (yet another) in an interview in 2021.
After what happened at the British GPin which Lewis Hamilton knocked off track Max Verstappen, the historic Brazilian pilot was interviewed. The talk had substance for the protagonist and not only because of his status as a former driver and also champion, but because his daughter Kelly Piquet is Verstappen’s partner. How might it be otherwise, Nelson defended the Dutch Red Bull driver and attacked the British … but making fun of him with racist comments.
Asked if this incident was similar to the historic clash between Ayrton Senna y Alain Prost at Suzuka 89, Piquet gave his vision.
“The one at Silverstone? The black put the car and left. Senna didn’t do that, he went straight ahead. Do you really think he wasn’t going to turn? He was like, ‘I’ll do it here anyway.’ The little black man got in the car and left because there was no way two cars might go through that curve. played dirty. He was lucky that only the other driver got screwed,” she said very clearly.
Although the interview took place a year ago, it has now been recovered due to the proximity of the British GP of F1.
The reaction of the world formula 1 it has not been long in coming. From the competition itself they have issued a statement condemning Piquet’s wordswithout quoting him explicitly.
“Discriminatory and racist language is not acceptable in any form and has no place in society. 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 what we are committed to in Formula 1”, they have pointed out.
Also from the Mercedes team, Hamilton’s, they have issued a statement with similar words.
“We condemn in the strongest terms any use of racist or discriminatory language of any kind. Lewis has taken the lead in our sport’s efforts to combat racism and is a true champion of diversity on and off the track. Together, We share a vision for diverse and inclusive motorsport and this incident underscores the critical importance of continuing to strive for a brighter future.”
Nelson Piquet’s outbursts
Nelson Piquet is not new to this type of controversy, far from it. In his years as an active pilot he already had them of all colors because of the way he insulted and treated his rivals. Historical was the fistfight he had with the Chilean Eliseo Salazar in the 1982 German GP because he took him off the track, for example.
But also because of his words, Piquet has been disfigured many times. He called his compatriot Ayrton Senna, for example, several times “Sao Paulo’s homosexual taxi driver” Already Nigel Mansellwho was his great rival in Williams, constantly insulted him, both him and his wife whom he described as the ugliest woman in the world on several occasions.
Hamilton’s ironic response
Although he does not usually get into direct answers, Hamilton has replied to the controversy using an ironic question from a follower. He wondered what would have happened if the seven-time champion had tweeted “Who is Nelson Piquet”, and possibly would have had to close twitter.
The British response has been two tweets. First, “You’re welcome”, in English. The second, in Portuguese (the main language in Brazil) with a request: “Let’s focus on changing mentalities.”
More extensively, Hamilton has made a little speech to put himself back in the focus of the victim. “It’s more than language. These are archaic thoughts that need to change and have no place in our sport. I have been surrounded by these attitudes and pointed out all my life. There has been a lot of time to learn. It is time to take action.” written.
It’s more than language. These are 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
