Nelson Piquet apologises to Lewis Hamilton over comments but denies racial intent

Nelson Piquet admits comments were “ill thought out” but insists he did not intend them as racial slur; “I apologise wholeheartedly to anyone that was affected, including Lewis, who is an incredible driver,” says Piquet, who says translation of comments were not correct

Nelson Piquet has apologised “wholeheartedly” to Lewis Hamilton but “strongly condemns any suggestion” he racially abused his fellow Formula 1 world champion, claiming his comments have been mis-translated.

An interview with the Brazilian from last year surfaced this week, in which he twice used a racially offensive expression when referring to Hamilton.

It led to widespread condemnation from the whole F1 paddock, with Hamilton himself calling for “action” and insisting that “archaic mindsets need to change and have no place in our sport”.

On Wednesday, Piquet issued his own statement where he said he wanted to “clear up the stories”.

“What I said was ill thought out, and I make no defence for it,” said Piquet, a three-time F1 champion.

“But I will clarify that the term used is one that has widely and historically been used colloquially in Brazilian Portuguese as a synonym for ‘guy’ or ‘person’ and was never intended to offend.

“I would never use the word I have been accused of in some translations. I strongly condemn any suggestion that the word was used by me with the aim of belittling a driver because of his skin colour.

“I apologise wholeheartedly to anyone that was affected, including Lewis, who is an incredible driver, but the translation in some media that is now circulating on social media is not correct.

“Discrimination has no place in F1 or society and I am happy to clarify my thoughts in that respect.”

Sky Sports News understands that Piquet will not be allowed back into the paddock after his comments, which were made last November when discussing the crash between Hamilton and Max Verstappen at the 2021 British GP.

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Haas Team Principal Guenther Steiner gives his thoughts on Nelson Piquet’s racial slur towards Lewis Hamilton, as well as looking at the importance of team principal meetings within F1.

In response, Hamilton sent a series of tweets. He said: “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.”

He also tweeted “Vamos focar em mudar a mentalidade”, which is Portuguese for “Let’s focus on changing the mentality.”

‘Piquet not welcome in F1 paddock’

Sky Sports News’ Craig Slater:

“My understanding is that Nelson Piquet, not withstanding this apology that has come out, for the foreseeable future at least will not be welcome in the Formula 1 paddock.

“I think these remarks which he made, the language that he used in this interview from November last year, has registered deeply with those in leadership positions in the sport.

“Let’s see what the drivers, team bosses and others make of it in the next 24 hours. It’s media day at Silverstone on Thursday and we will get the views of all of those competing in the event.

“Piquet has spoken of colloquialisms in Brazilian-Portuguese, which has been a part of controversies we have had related to this in the past involving other high-profile sportsmen.

“He has given a apology, but my understanding is this has been beyond the pale and that for the foreseeable future he will not be welcome back into the Formula 1 paddock.”

More to follow.

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