via Reuters
Formula One F1 – British Grand Prix – Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, Britain – June 30, 2022 Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton wearing a protective face mask during the press conference ahead of the Grand Prix REUTERS/Andrew Boyers
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – British Grand Prix – Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, Britain – June 30, 2022 Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton wearing a protective face mask during the press conference ahead of the Grand Prix REUTERS/Andrew Boyers
Well, the former F1 boss is back at it again! It seems Bernie Ecclestone is one of the few people in the world currently who is defending Nelson Piquet. The Brazilian was accused of using a racial slur to give his opinion on the 2021 Silverstone accident between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.
Ecclestone sided with the former 3-time world champion and mentioned that Piquet is not inherently a racist person. He even pointed out that Hamilton could have brushed aside the issue altogether.
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“People say things… if people happen to be a little bit overweight, or undersized like me, I’m quite sure a lot of people have made remarks about that. If I’d have heard it, I’d have been able to deal with it myself without too much trouble.
I’m surprised Lewis hasn’t just brushed it aside. Or, better than that, replied. But he’s now come out and Nelson has apologized. So everybody seems, or should be, happy,” said Ecclestone.
READ MORE: Would Lewis Hamilton be regarded differently if he had not won the 2008 championship?
The majority of the F1 community came out and condemned the usage of the racial slur. Hamilton then graciously thanked everyone for their support on the issue.
Lewis Hamilton thanks everyone for their support over the recent controversy
The 7-time world champion himself put out a statement following Piquet’s comments. And almost everyone on the grid sided with the Mercedes driver on the issue, condemning racist language.
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via Reuters
Formula One F1 – British Grand Prix – Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, Britain – June 30, 2022, Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton during the press conference ahead of the Grand Prix REUTERS/Andrew Boyers
After thanking everyone for their support, Hamilton said, “I’ve been on the receiving end of racism and criticism and negativity and archaic narratives for a long, long time, and undertones of discrimination.”
“So, there’s nothing particularly new to me. I think it’s more about the bigger picture…”
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WATCH THE STORY: F1 Drivers Fighting on Track
Although Hamilton has not commented on Ecclestone’s comments about him and Piquet, it is certainly surprising to hear two different opinions on the issue. While Piquet has apologized on his half, let’s see what action the sport takes in tackling the issue.
