New tension in F1 after half-year-old comment by Piquet gets condemned
Jun.29 - A new line of tension has opened up in Lewis Hamilton's relationship with 2021 championship rival Max Verstappen.
Footage of triple world champion Nelson Piquet calling the seven time world champion "neguinho" after Hamilton and Verstappen's Silverstone crash last year has emerged.
Formula 1, the FIA and almost every F1 team came out in strong condemnation of the language.
"It's more than language," Hamilton said. "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."
Brazilian Piquet, 69, said on a television program in Portuguese: "The neguinho put the car in the wrong place in the corner.
"It's a very fast corner, there is no way for two cars to pass through and there's no way you can put the car there."
While most assume that 'neguinho' is simply a translation of the English 'N-word', Urban Dictionary says it is used against both black and white people in Portuguese, often to "green friends".
"It's not a offensive word in Brazil, but sometimes it can be," the entry claims.
Indeed, a relative of Piquet's - Rodrigo Piquet - came out in support of the famous former Formula 1 driver, whose daughter Kelly is in a relationship with Verstappen.
"My grandmother called my mother, father and uncle neguinho," Rodrigo Piquet, a former kart champion, wrote on social media. "And she loved us all.
"To hell with the hypocritical world!"
33-year-old Kelly Piquet, who has a daughter with Daniil Kvyat, liked the post, which was later set to private following backlash.
Alexey Popov, a Russian Formula 1 commentator, said: "I see that many British journalists are saying Nelson Piquet will no longer be allowed into the paddock, and others are saying it should be the whole family.
"The question is who to include. Kelly, probably. But what about Max - is he a member of the family or not?"
Meanwhile, Red Bull has ousted reserve and Formula 2 driver Juri Vips from its junior program after the 21-year-old Estonian casually used the 'N-word'.
"The team do not condone any form of racism," it said.
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'Red Bull gives you...racists'. Oops...or is it wings? I can't remember. 😄
By the way Leopold, November last year is months old, not year old!
Interesting to see who has spoken out in condemnation so far. And who hasn't yet.
Ferrari were quick out the gait...damn Lol. Gotta show support for Sir Lewis as you never know what could happen after his Merc contract ends. Sainz!!! 😄
Rosberg is normally quick to chirp about LH. Silent so far...hmm.
Alonso....anything to say?
How about fellow Brit and Max's pal Lando?
Sir Lewis haters....chime in why don't you.
Silence is deafening.
Hi Jax, I don't understand what you mean. The famous Copse corner crash was during last year's British GP wasn't it?
Quote: "The former racing driver used the racist slur in November, but his comments only came to light this week, prompting widespread backlash." End quote.
He said it on a podcast done months after Silvestone incident.
I see what you mean. Half-year would be more appropriate then.
I'll give credit when it is due. And Alonso has stepped up to the plate with a good response. Well done. 👍
I'm surprised his remark only came to light recently rather than at the time.
What a coincidence it came just before LH home GP.
Somebody timed this.
And the dumb comments keep coming
This is a non-story
All this is going to kill F1. Too many drama queens, social warriors, irresponsible comments, no self control, too many race baiters from both sides, too many demands being made. Whatever happened to commenting on the race and not loose lip interviews.
Susan, I agree.
Perhaps the Editor's of this F1-Fansite could stick to what's relevant to racing, rather than inviting all this hyperbole and sanctimonious bullshit with "he-said / she-said" fluff. FFS.
Let's race!!
Oh i agree, but sites need traffic and advertisers, difficult to strike a balance sometimes and who doesn't like Maxes Uncle Leopold
Why is HAM given a platform to talk about issues other than F1 racing.
Why does any sportsperson or "celebrity" think they have a right to speak out on social issues just because they are in the spotlight. I want my sportspersons to just play their sport. Their opinion is worth no more than anybody else. In other words just shut up and compete in your sport , and for celebrities just sing , make your movies ,etc and also just shut up.Ricky Gervais got it right at the Oscars.
For some unknown reason, Lewis has turned from being the G.O.A.T to being the champion for ALL social justice causes. Me thinks he is believing his own press. Just race, Lewis. You’re not being $40mil to flap your trap on every cause that comes down the pike.