via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Azerbaijan Grand Prix – Baku City Circuit, Baku, Azerbaijan – June 10, 2022 Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton during a press conference REUTERS/Murad Sezer
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Azerbaijan Grand Prix – Baku City Circuit, Baku, Azerbaijan – June 10, 2022 Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton during a press conference REUTERS/Murad Sezer
Nelson Piquet Sr has come under a lot of fire recently, after certain comments he made about Lewis Hamilton last year resurfaced. In the comments, he used a racial slur against Hamilton when talking about his accident at Silverstone with Max Verstappen. However, Piquet has now come out with a statement addressing the issue.
In an attempt to clear the mess, Piquet said, “What I said was ill thought out, and I make no defense for it”. He added, “I will clarify that the term used is one that has widely and historically been used colloquially in Brazilian Portuguese as a synonym for ‘guy’ or ‘person’ and was never intended to offend.”
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Piquet also said, “I would never use the word I have been accused of in some translations.” He also went on to strongly condemn the act of racism.
He concluded with, “I apologize wholeheartedly to anyone that was affected, including Lewis, who is an incredible driver, but the translation in some media that is now circulating on social media is not correct.”
Piquet’s comments were met with extensive criticism throughout the F1 community. The poor choice of words see him banned from the paddock for the foreseeable future. Fans took to social media to let their displeasure known about the 3-time world champion’s comments on Hamilton.
Twitter reacts to Nelson Piquet’s apology to Lewis Hamilton
Nelson Piquet’s comments aimed at Lewis Hamilton were met with widespread condemnation. He has since then gone and issued a statement explaining his actions and apologizing for any misinterpretation. However, the fans have not taken this statement kindly. They let their feelings known on social media.
Just seen the statement.. I’m going back to my afternoon nap. pic.twitter.com/A7pKllWsO3
— Medium Stop F1 (@QuickStopF1) June 29, 2022
Nelson piquet legit just went « I’ve said this but you’ve misunderstood >>like that ain’t an apology mate
— juliette (@micksch47) June 29, 2022
Literally the entire Brazil apologised for Piquet's actions, something that was not even their fault.
Nelson Piquet couldn't even follow that up with a half decent apology.
It's a shame, he shouldn't be allowed anywhere with that apology, forget about the paddock 👍
— Buc Nasty ✇ (@premystic) June 29, 2022
Fans were very vocal about their thoughts on the apology. They wasted no time in calling the 3-time world champion out.
Nelson Piquet (aka racist) can shove his 'apology' up his unwashed yansh.
Caucacity of White man who uses racial slur on Black man to claim he had no 'intent' to be racist.
Intent isn't a requirement to be racist. If what you do is racist you're racist. #istandwithlewishamilton pic.twitter.com/ujpPQt95UW
— Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu (@SholaMos1) June 29, 2022
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his statement is not even close to being an apology
— Krista (@kristuh_) June 29, 2022
Although, action has been taken against Nelson Piquet. Outrage still grips the fans. For the time being, the paddock remains off-limits to the Brazilian.
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Watch This Story: Lewis Hamilton and former Mercedes F1 photographer bury the hatchet after dramatic 2019 dispute
In the meantime, Hamilton will be looking forward to the British GP up next. The Britton will be hoping for a good showing in front of his home fans. Additionally, Mercedes have made significant changes to the W-13 to aid Hamilton and Russell. The Brackley-based outfit will be hoping for their fortunes to change at Silverstone.
