Lewis Hamilton's response after being called "black" by Nelson Piquet

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Formula 1, the International Automobile Federation (FIA) and the Mercedes team have condemned the "discriminatory and racist language" of the three-time champion

who has referred to the British Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) as "black", and have described as "unacceptable" behavior.

"Discriminatory or racist language is unacceptable in any form and is not part of 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 to look forward to." that we are committed to Formula 1," F1 said in a statement.

Hours later, Hamilton himself valued the three-time world champion's statements.

"We are going to focus on changing the mentality," he wrote in Portuguese on the social network Twitter, before stating that the Brazilian ex-pilot's words are "more than a language."

"These archaic mentalities must change and they have no place in our sport. I have been surrounded by these attitudes directed towards me all my life. There has been a lot of time to learn. The time has come to act," he warned.

During an interview on a Brazilian channel in November last year, Piquet criticized the performance of the Briton, named an honorary citizen of Brazil a few weeks ago, in the collision he suffered with the Dutchman

, the boyfriend of his daughter

, in the Grand British Prix 2021. Now, these statements come to light on the first anniversary of the accident and in the same week as the Silverstone appointment this season.

"The little black guy put the car up and left. Senna didn't do that, Senna went straight ahead," he said, comparing the situation to one between

and

at the 1989 Japanese Grand Prix. ', in Spanish-, used by Piquet, has a derogatory and racist connotation in Portuguese.

"He said 'I'll do it anyway.' The black guy got the car in and drove off, because it was a really high corner and there was no way two cars would go through. It was a dirty trick, and he was lucky only the other one got screwed." ", indicated then the Brazilian, 69 years old and world champion in 1981, 1983 and 1987.

The Mercedes team also came out in defense of the seven-time world champion.

“We condemn in the strongest terms any use of racist or discriminatory language. Lewis has spearheaded our sport's efforts to combat racism, and is a true champion of diversity on and off the track. diverse and inclusive, and this incident underscores the critical importance of continuing to fight for a bright future."

The International Automobile Federation (FIA) joined in condemning Piquet's statements, recalling that such racist language "has no place in sport or in society in general."

"We express our solidarity with Lewis Hamilton and fully support his commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in motorsport," he concluded.

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