Nelson Piquet Fights Back With First Statement in $1.9 Million Lewis Hamilton Case

Being the only black driver on the F1, Lewis Hamilton has faced multiple challenges in his journey to becoming an F1 legend. However, a former champion racially discriminating against him must have been the last thing he’d have ever imagined.

Nelson Piquet, a 3-time F1 champion, used a racial slur for Lewis in an interview. Consequently, an investigation was opened against Piquet for using racist and homophobic insults. If found guilty of the conviction, Piquet may have to pay $1.9 million (R$ 10 million) in collective moral damages and social damages.

The F1 paddock stood in support of Lewis, who has been an excellent ambassador for the sport. He received support from his fans and colleagues alike. Subsequently, the British Drivers’ Club suspended Nelson Piquet’s registration. Additionally, Formula 1 has also banned the former champion from the paddock.

The lawyers of Piquet said, “In addition to Nelson Piquet having spontaneously recanted and apologized for his words, it is not possible to spill over any damage that would be restricted to Hamilton’s individual sphere to the entire black population and the LGBTQIA+ community, much less configure the use of inappropriate and bad words by the Defendant as hate speech.” [Translated from Google]

READ MORE: Nelson Piquet Faces the Consequences of His Actions Against Lewis Hamilton as $1.9 Million Penalty Looms Over

Over the years, Lewis has educated many people about social injustices and other topics close to him by using his successful position. Furthermore, the 7-time champion has also inspired many colleagues to stand up against mistreatment.

Lewis Hamilton supported F1 rookie Zhou Guanyu after online abuse and racist comments

Competing in F1 for 16 years has certainly helped Hamilton learn a thing or two about dealing with the critics. However, the 37-year-old inspired his fellow competitor, Zhou Guanyu. The Chinese revealed how Lewis was taking care of him and the huge admiration and respect he has for the Briton.

Talking to Crash.net, the Alfa Romeo driver said, “I feel like I’ve experienced what he experienced maybe two years ago when he was standing out and getting all the racist comments, especially last year.”

He continued, “I think F1 is a big family sport, so to have everyone understanding that and to be positive about everything, is the right way to be going forward. Lewis is the leader of the drivers. Trying to lead the sport into a better future, which has the respect of all the drivers.”

Lewis has also inspired Zhou’s fashion, as the Chinese driver often looks up to him. The 23-year-old also plans on following Hamilton’s footsteps and opening a clothing line of his own.

WATCH THIS STORY: Big Boost for Lewis Hamilton as Mercedes Director Offers Massive F1 Update

It was a successful debut season for Zhou, who won the Rookie of the Year award this season. However, Lewis had a contrasting season to the Chinese. He finished the year without scoring a win for the first time in his career. Can Hamilton put behind a miserable season and challenge for race wins next year?