Formula One | Hamilton calls for action after Nelson Piquet’s racist comment

In a Brazilian interview on YouTube in November 2021, Piquet, 69, used a racial slur in Portuguese when referring to Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton called for action to change "archaic mindsets" after a racist remark about him by Brazilian triple champion Nelson Piquet emerged on social media, triggering widespread condemnation.

In a Brazilian interview on YouTube in November 2021, Piquet, 69, used a racial slur in Portuguese when referring to the seven-time world champion, when commenting on Hamilton's British Grand Prix crash with Max Verstappen.

He also said Hamilton had "played dirty" in the incident. Piquet's daughter Kelly is Verstappen's partner, and the comments resurfaced as the drivers prepare to return to Silverstone this weekend.

Hamilton, who was recently awarded honorary Brazilian citizenship and is the sport's only Black driver, responded on Twitter.

"It's more than language. These archaic mindsets need to change and have no place in our sport," the Mercedes driver said.

"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."

Motor racing's governing body FIA, Formula One and Mercedes all issued statements condemning racism but without mentioning Piquet by name.