Nelson Piquet has denied calling Lewis Hamilton a racist. The three-time Formula One world champion says the phrase he used was mistranslated, but he admits his comments were ill-considered and apologized to Hamilton.
Despite his repentance, it is understood that Piquet’s lifetime ban from F1 will not be lifted.
Piquet’s remarks, made last year but made public on Monday, used an epithet that can be translated as the N-word to describe Hamilton. However, following widespread condemnation of his remarks, the 69-year-old insisted that his remarks were not intended to offend.
“I would like to clarify the media stories about a comment I made in an interview last year,” the Brazilian said in a statement released on Wednesday. “What I said was ill-considered, and I make no excuse for it, but I will clarify that the term used was one that has widely and historically been used colloquially in Brazilian Portuguese as a synonym for ‘guy’ or ‘person,’ and it was never intended to offend.”
“I would never use the word that has been accused of being used in some translations.” I strongly oppose any suggestion that I used the word to disparage a driver because of his skin color.
“I sincerely apologize to anyone who was harmed, including Lewis, who is a fantastic driver, but the translation in some media that is now circulating on social media is incorrect.” Discrimination has no place in F1 or society, and I am happy to clarify my position on this.”
F1 barred Piquet from attending races until he apologized, but his claim that his remarks were misconstrued received little traction. In Brazil, black people consider the phrase he used to be a derogatory reference to race.
Hamilton, a long-time anti-racism and diversity activist, said Piquet’s remarks were part of a larger problem. “It goes beyond language. These antiquated mindsets must change and have no place in our sport,” he stated. “I’ve spent my entire life surrounded by these attitudes and targeted.” There has been ample opportunity to learn. The time has come to take action.”
Damon Hill, the 1996 world champion, expressed sympathy for Hamilton. “Poor Lewis, having to put up with this all the time. It has harmed his experience as a Formula One driver, possibly more than we will ever understand,” he said. “We must ensure that the sport is not simply nodding toward political correctness.” It must be crystal clear.”
On Wednesday, the FIA, F1’s governing body, hosted a meeting of the world motorsport council in Paris, where it reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy toward harassment and discrimination. A statement was also issued condemning racism, but no action has been taken to address the demands Hamilton believes are critical.
