How Did the Lewis Hamilton Controversy Lead to Nelson Piquet Getting a Lifetime F1 Paddock Ban?

It’s always sad to see the very man fighting for equality and diversity in motorsport being subjected to racism. This is exactly what happened with Lewis Hamilton in 2021. At the time, the issue did not come to light. However, in 2022, it boiled over when the translated racial comments from the former world champion came to light.

The three-time F1 world champion driver Nelson Piquet’s comments about Hamilton’s crash with Verstappen at the 2021 British Grand Prix shocked everyone. Piquet, in a Brazilian podcast from 2021, referred to Hamilton using a racial slur in his native tongue. So when the clip came to light, they banned the world champion from the paddocks.

“The ******** put the car in the wrong way and didn’t let [the other driver swerve],” he said in Portuguese. “The ******** put the car in the wrong way on the corner, it’s because you don’t know the curve.” 

These comments brewed up a lot of controversy, which eventually earned him the ban. Hence, this year’s Brazilian Grand Prix will not see Nelson Piquet in the paddock.

Read More: The Lewis Hamilton-Nelson Piquet Controversy Regains Steam as Brazilian F1 Legend Stands On the Brink of Jail Sentence

The former Brazilian world champion even issued an apology following the backlash. However, it seems his apology denying racist intent will not be enough to please the authorities and restore his place in the paddocks.

Nelson Piquet comments on Lewis Hamilton becoming an honorary citizen of Brazil

The British world champion celebrated this announcement from the Brazilian government with a heartfelt message on Instagram. However, the announcement got a negative reaction from the Brazilian world champion.

“Has he ever come to Brazil except for a race or hired to give a lecture? Have you come for a vacation? Get to know the Amazon that it depends so much? Time he has, plane too, why didn’t he come?” said Piquet after the citizenship announcement.

WATCH THIS STORY: Lewis Hamilton Jumps Off a Plane Amidst His Mental Health Woes

This tiff between the two world champions seems to be never-ending. Let’s hope the Brit can stay away from the drama and try to get his first win at his home race.