Sir Lewis Hamilton lambasted Nelson Piquet for using a racial slur in interview to describe the ex-world champion. 

Piquet used N’word when referring to the seven time world champion in a podcast with Estadao published last November. Piquet used the N-word twice in a racist slang Brazilian term.

The former driver, who won the world title in 1981, 83 and 87, had been discussing the accident between Hamilton and Max Verstappen on the first lap of last year’s British Grand Prix.

The 69 year-old had been discussing Hamilton’s collision with Max Verstappen at the 2021 British GP. His comments resurfaced on social media this week ahead of the one-year anniversary. He recorded the interview in Portuguese and it has since been translated into English. 

He claimed that Hamilton had intentionally pushed Verstappen off track, ending his race.

In a video which was released on Monday, Piquet – whose daughter Kelly is dating Hamilton’s rival Verstappen – said: ‘The n******* put the car in the wrong way and didn’t let [the other driver swerve].  

‘The n******* put the car in the wrong way on the corner, it’s because you don’t know the curve. The curve is very steep, it’s impossible to pass any other car and the car can’t be moved. He did [Verstappen] dirty. He was lucky that the other was still alive.

Hamilton today hit back, writing ‘Imagine’ next to a tweet which said, ‘what if Lewis Hamilton just tweeted, ‘Who the f*** is Nelson Piquet?’ 

The 37-year old replied to racist remarks by saying: “It’s not just language. These attitudes are outdated and should be eliminated from our sport.

“I was surrounded with these attitudes all my life. You have had plenty of opportunity to grow. The time has arrived to take action.

Also, Piquet posted another message in Portuguese (Piquet’s native tongue) – reading: “Let’s change the mindset.”

Brazilian Piquet called the episode a joke on the podcast and stated that Hamilton was ‘lucky” Verstappen crashed only once.

Hamilton is not the only one to be subjected to racial abuse. He has also been in conflict with Bernie Ecclestone (ex-F1 chief) who took aim last year at the politicisation, suggesting Formula One was non-racist and saying Hamilton was being used by Black Lives Matter. 

Nelson Piquet has been blasted by Formula One bosses after the comments came to light. He had been speaking on a Brazilian podcast (pictured) about an incident between Max Verstappen and the seven-time world champion

After the remarks were made, Formula One bosses have blasted Nelson Piquet. The incident that occurred between Max Verstappen (pictured) and the seven-time champion of the world had him speaking to a Brazilian podcast.

Lewis, pictured in Malibu on Sunday, was pictured catching some waves ahead of the British Grand Prix this weekend. F1 described him as a 'true champion of diversity on and off track' in their statement condemning Piquet

Lewis was photographed in Malibu, California on Sunday. He is seen catching waves just before the British Grand Prix. F1 condemned Piquet’s statement and described Lewis as a true champion of diversity both on track and off.

The seven-time world champion has now hit back at Piquet's racist comments, calling for 'action' against the 'archaic mindsets'. He added a message in Portuguese, the Brazilian drivers native language, saying 'let's focus on changing the mindset'

Piquet’s racist remarks have been rebuffed by the seven-time champion of the world, who now calls for “action” against ‘archaic mindsets. Piquet added an English message to the Brazilian driver’s native tongue, Portuguese. He said, “let’s change the mindset.”

The Brazilian ex-racing driver had been discussing an incident between Red Bull's Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, pictured, at the British Grand Prix last year. The pair collided on lap one of the race at Silverstone ending the Dutchman's race

Ex-racing driver from Brazil had been talking about an incident last year between Red Bull’s Verstappen (pictured) and Lewis Hamilton (pictured). Both drivers collided during lap 1 of Silverstone’s race, ending the Dutchman’s race.

Piquet has previously controversies: Questioning Senna about his sexuality and upsetting Mansell, his wife

Piquet was an ex-racing driver and has often made unkind comments about F1 drivers.

He publicly challenged Ayrton Sena’s sexuality at the time they were fighting each other, and called his competitor ‘the Sao Paulo Taxi driver’.

He made offensive remarks about Nigel Mansell’s wife and Briton’s spouse when they were Williams team-mates.

Playboy was shocked when the Brazilian revealed his infamous conversation with him about Mansell, calling him an “uneducated blockhead”.

Piquet made derogatory comments about Mansell’s wife, for which he eventually apologised when legal action threatened.

Formula One bosses have slammed former Brazilian champion Formula One for his comments in an interview. 

They stated that discriminatory and racist language was unacceptable under any circumstances, and had no place in society.

“Lewis has been an amazing ambassador for the sport of boxing and should be respected.

“His relentless efforts to increase diversity, inclusion and equality are a lesson for many. This is something F1 has committed to.”

Piquet used the racial slur to express his opinions that Hamilton made a mistake when he crashed into the Dutch driver and ended his race. 

He was given a ten second penalty by Mercedes but he won the race, cutting his points deficit to Verstappen.

Verstappen, who was thrown into the tracks at 52G force, had to be transported to nearby hospitals for safety checks.

After colliding at Silverstone’s Copse corner, the Red Bull driver was forced to stop abruptly on his opening lap. 

The British Grand Prix this weekend marks one year since the heated confrontation, which occurred as part of a series between championship rivals who fought for the world title last year.

After defeating Hamilton last season, the Dutchman was awarded his first title in world motorcycling.

Last year, he voiced frustration at Nicholas Latifi’s safety car late in the F1 calendar.

He expressed his dismay over the radio and said: “Yeah. Of course. A typical decision.” However, Michael Masi reversed his original call for lapped cars only to be overtaken, meaning that there would be a head-to-head one-lap battle between the title contestants.

After the Brazilian Grand Prix 2018, Verstappen tried unsuccessfully to undo himself, Verstappen was caught pushing Esteban Ocon.

Piquets daughter Kelly, pictured after the Abi Dhabi Grand Prix last year, is dating Dutch driver Max Verstappen. He described the incident as a 'joke' on the podcast, and said that Hamilton had been 'lucky' that Verstappen only crashed

Kelly Piquets’ daughter is pictured with Max Verstappen, the Dutch driver. He described the incident as a ‘joke’ on the podcast, and said that Hamilton had been ‘lucky’ that Verstappen only crashed

The seven-time world champion has previously clashed with ex-F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone over 'ignorant' comments. Ecclestone previously said he would ban Formula One drivers taking a knee before races and would stop them wearing anti-racism t-shirts on the podium

The seven-time world champion has previously clashed with ex-F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone over ‘ignorant’ comments. Ecclestone previously said he would ban Formula One drivers taking a knee before races and would stop them wearing anti-racism t-shirts on the podium

Ecclestone, 91, has insisted Hamilton 'misunderstood' his view but he is 'entitled to his opinion' on the need for increased opportunities in the sport. He added that he believes Hamilton is 'being used' by the Black Lives Matter movement

Ecclestone (91) insists Hamilton misunderstands his point of view, but is entitled to express his views on the necessity for more opportunities in the game. Ecclestone stated that Hamilton was ‘being misused’ by Black Lives Matter.

He had been cruising to win the race before the incident, and was heard seething ‘I hope I can’t find him now in the paddock because that guy has a f***ing problem.’

Verstappen failed to pass Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in the first race. He vented his frustrations at his teammates.

He shouted at his crew for telling him to slow down on the tyres after clearing the Monegasque driver the second time.

The controversy ended during the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where Verstappen won his first title in the world. 

Mercedes stated in a statement that she strongly condemned any racist or discriminatory use of language. 

He has led our sport’s effort to fight racism. 

“Together we have a vision of a diverse, inclusive motorsport. This incident highlights the importance to continue striving for a better future.”

Mercedes raced in dark for two consecutive seasons in protest against racism and discrimination, and as an act of public fidelity to our sport’s diversity and inclusion.  

Bernie Ecclestone (Motorsport mogul) took aim at last year’s politicization of Formula One, saying that Formula One isn’t racist and that Hamilton was ‘being used by’ the Black Lives Matter movement. 

He stated previously that he will ban Formula One racers from taking a knee prior to races and won’t allow anti-racism shirts to be worn on the podium.

Ecclestone (91) said Hamilton had misunderstood but that he has the right to express his opinion on increased opportunities.

Before claiming that Hamilton had been racially abused in his life, Hamilton said that Hamilton surprised him. He then stated that black people were more racist than whites.

Piquet, whose daughter Kelly, pictured, is dating Verstappen, has previously made a series of unpleasant statements about other racing drivers during his career

Kelly Piquet is currently dating Verstappen. He has made several unpleasant comments about fellow race drivers throughout his racing career.

 After their public spat on social media, Ecclestone said Formula 1 is ‘open to anyone’ regardless of race or religion. 

Hamilton shared the racist abuse that he received throughout his career. Hamilton even revealed a 2008 incident in Spain where he was taunted by blackface fans.

F1’s governing body, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), have also condemned the comments made by the former world champion in his interview. 

The statement read: “The FIA strongly condemns racist and discriminatory behaviour, which are not appropriate in sport or larger society.

“We are in solidarity with Lewis Hamilton. We fully support Lewis Hamilton’s commitment to inclusion, equality and diversity in motor racing.”

Ferrari’s F1 team sent a support message, saying: “We stand with Formula One Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG F1 and against all forms of discrimination.” 

Piquet made several unpleasant comments about race drivers during his racing career.

He publicly challenged Ayrton Senna about his sexuality during his racing career and called his opponent ‘the Sao Paulo taxi-driver’.

He made offensive remarks about Nigel Mansell’s wife and Briton’s spouse when they were Williams team-mates.

Lewis Hamilton and racism in F1: F1’s champion has blasted Bernie Ecclestone, an ‘ignorant’ and ‘uneducated’ F1 boss after he stated that ‘black people were more racist than white’, and suggested BLM were “USING” him. He also said that drivers would not be allowed to kneel.

EMMA JAMES  

Sir Lewis Hamilton previously stated that he was constantly disturbed and saddened at the lack of diversity within Formula One.

In 2020, Bernie Ecclestone was criticized by the 7-time World Champion for being “ignorant” and “uneducated”, after ex-F1 boss claimed that “black people are more racist then white people”.

The remarks were made during a CNN interview by the 91 year-old, reacting to protests against Black Lives Matter in recent days following the US death of George Floyd.

He claimed that black people were more racist in some cases than are white people.

‘[It’s just]There have been many things that I’ve seen over the years and it’s not necessary for me to mention them. No matter what color they may be, I oppose injustice. This is a good place to start.

Ecclestone said that F1 wasn’t racist ahead of the 2021 season, and added that he wouldn’t have permitted drivers to bend at the knee.

He also warned Lewis’ father Anthony that the Mercedes driver needed to be ‘careful’ by aligning himself with the BLM movement – claiming that they were using the star for money.

Ecclestone (left) and Hamilton (right) have a history in the sport but offer different opinions, with the driver saying he has been 'saddened' by the comments his former boss has made

Hamilton (left) is a former driver, but they have different views. Hamilton said he was’saddened” by comments made by his boss.

Hamilton promoted the Black Lives Matter movement throughout the 2020 campaign, and also spoke out when Breonna Taylor was killed by police officers in her home in Louisville in March of that year

Hamilton promoted the Black Lives Matter movement throughout the 2020 campaign, and also spoke out when Breonna Taylor was killed by police officers in her home in Louisville in March of that year

Rivalry both on the track and off: Hamilton’s ruthlessness and Max Verstappen’s clash

Lewis Hamilton acknowledged that Max Verstappen, his rival, is similar to him in their recklessness.

Red Bull’s Verstappen won the Mercedes title in controversial circumstances. There was bitter rivalry on and off track, especially after the Monza crash.

Hamilton acknowledged that there are days when things go wrong.

Sky Sports spoke to him: “Max and I see one another in the paddock. Things are just normal. We’re both individual drivers. 

We have much in common, in the sense that we enjoy driving but we are also ruthless. He’s ruthless and I’m not.

“We are fighters out here. Friends are not allowed on the track. Sometimes we do it correctly, and other days it is not.

“What really matters is that we return to being human beings, and keep respect.”

Ecclestone stated to the Telegraph that he had told his father “Lewis must be cautious”. He’s being taken advantage of by people supporting Black Lives Matter, and they take a lot from it. The money is going somewhere, but nobody can tell.

“If I was still around, there wouldn’t have been anybody wearing it.” [anti-racism]T-shirts at the podium? That’s what it is.

“One hundred percent, there wouldn’t have been that business of kneeling in front of races.”

Hamilton took aim at his ex-boss and said that Hamilton was “so saddened” to see the comments.

He said, “Bernie is now out of the sport. A different generation is.” These comments are ignorant and uninformed and show how far society needs to go before equality is possible.

“It’s a complete logical thing that I now understand why nothing was done or said to increase diversity or deal with the racial abuses that I have received during my career.

“If someone has been running the sport for so many decades and has no understanding of the complex issues black people face every day, then how can they expect everyone else to get it right?” It all starts at the top.

Hamilton is one of history’s most celebrated drivers, having first taken to the track at the age 22 in a McLaren car in 2007. He then switched to Mercedes in 2013.

He has taken pole position in more races than anyone else and won seven world championships. This is a record that he shares with Michael Schumacher.

Hamilton continues to be the sport’s only black driver. Hamilton also recalled an incident during the 2008 Spanish Grand Prix when some people showed up wearing blackface, while others wore shirts with the words “Hamilton’s family.”

Mission 44 was founded by him last summer to support children from the underrepresented group.

He made a personal donation of £20million to the cause, which will help children wanting careers in not only F1 but in science, technology, engineering and maths too.

Hamilton also advocated for Hamilton’s latest contract to be signed in 2021. It should include clauses for more diversity among the team.

Racing drivers still don’t believe that enough is being done to promote diversity in the motorsport and keep people informed about Black Lives Matter.

Some drivers elected not to take the knee during the 2021 season,  but all of them wore anti-racism t-shirts as a mark of support. Lewis Hamilton was the driving force behind the movement in the sport, with Mercedes launching an all black livery as 'a stand against racism and discrimination in all forms

Some drivers elected not to take the knee during the 2021 season,  but all of them wore anti-racism t-shirts as a mark of support. Lewis Hamilton led the race to create the movement. Mercedes introduced an all-black Mercedes livery in protest against discrimination and racism in all forms.

When Breonna Taylor was killed by the police, Taylor took action and wore a T shirt that said “arrest the cops” at the 2020 Tuscan Grand Prix.

Sky Sports reported that he said last year, “I haven’t been drawing from past experiences. I’ve been drawing off the energy of doing positive work.”

“I noticed it last year, and that was part of last year.” It was an incredible drive to get on the podium and give Breonna that voice.

“So it is the job that I am doing now in the background, then I will turn up. It’s a great job and I love it.

“Is it helping my race?” Yes, it does. This is like my new drive. I feel it gives me greater longevity, because there’s so much work involved. This gives me real meaning in my life. You do it because you have a purpose.

He admitted to having ‘difficult training days’. His outside activities keep him motivated, both now and when he leaves Formula One.

“There have been many times when I felt like I didn’t know what to do next. But, I still don’t feel like I found my purpose in life until last year.

“Now, I feel that I have a purpose in my life. It’s more than winning races and championships, which is cool. But, it’s about being able make an impact on young people.