Nelson Piquet claims he did not mean to offend Lewis Hamilton with racist slur

Nelson Piquet has apologised to Lewis Hamilton (Image: Getty)

Nelson Piquet has apologised ‘wholeheartedly’ for utilizing an offensive expression throughout an interview final yr when discussing Lewis Hamilton.

The previous Formulation One world champion was reported to have used a racial slur geared toward Hamilton following the 2021 British Grand Prix, however insists the phrase he used had been mistranslated.

Piquet mentioned in an announcement: ‘I want to clear up the tales circulating within the media a couple of remark I made in an interview final yr.

‘What I mentioned was in poor health thought out, and I make no defence for it, however I'll make clear that the time period used is one which has broadly and traditionally been used colloquially in Brazilian Portuguese as a synonym for ‘man’ or ‘individual’ and was by no means supposed to offend.

‘I'd by no means use the phrase I've been accused of in some translations. I strongly condemn any suggestion that the phrase was utilized by me with the goal of belittling a driver due to his pores and skin color.

‘I apologise wholeheartedly to anybody that was affected, together with Lewis, who's an unimaginable driver, however the translation in some media that's now circulating on social media is just not right. Discrimination has no place in F1 or society and I'm blissful to make clear my ideas in that respect.’

Nelson Piquet is the daddy of Kelly Piquet, Max Verstappen’s present girlfriend (Image: Getty)

Brazilian Piquet, was reported to have been discussing a collision between Hamilton and rival Max Verstappen on the opening lap at Silverstone, which noticed the Dutchman retire from the race.

Hamilton responded to the story on social media by insisting ‘archaic mindsets’ wanted to alter and was supported by Formulation One and his group Mercedes, who each condemned Piquet.

Hamilton posted on Twitter: ‘It’s greater than language. These archaic mindsets want to alter and don't have any place in our sport.

‘I’ve been surrounded by these attitudes and focused my entire life. There was loads of time to study. Time has come for motion.’

An F1 assertion learn: ‘Discriminatory or racist language is unacceptable in any kind and has no half in society. Lewis is an unimaginable ambassador for our sport and deserves respect.

‘His tireless efforts to extend variety and inclusion are a lesson to many and one thing we're dedicated to at F1.’

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