JAKARTA - Mercedes GP driver, Lewis Hamilton, responded to racist comments from three-time Formula 1 world champion, Nelson Piquet. The Briton said the ancient mindset needed to be changed.
Piquet, who became Formula 1 (F1) world champion in 1981, 1983 and 1987, used a racist term to describe Hamilton in a podcast. This remark made Piquet even criticized.
"This is more than just language. This ancient mindset needs to change and has no place in our sport," said Hamilton, who holds a seven-time world title as quoted by BBC Sport.
"I've been surrounded by these attitudes and targeted my whole life. There's been a lot of time to learn. The time has come for action," he added.
Piquet made racist remarks referring to Hamilton as he discussed the crash between the Briton and Red Bull's Max Verstappen during the first round of last year's British Grand Prix.
Piquet described the incident as a "joke" and said Hamilton was "lucky" only Verstappen fell. He then used swear words when expressing his opinion that Hamilton had made a mistake.
“Discriminatory or racist language is unacceptable in any form and has no part in society. Lewis is an outstanding ambassador for our sport and deserves respect."
Piquet, who is the father of the Verstappen couple, Kelly Piquet, has a track record of controversy in making displeasing statements. During his career he even publicly questioned Ayrton Senna's sexuality and called his rival a "Sao Paulo taxi driver".
He also made offensive comments about Nigel Mansell and the ex-British driver's wife when they were teammates at Williams.
"We strongly condemn any use of racist or discriminatory language in any form. Lewis has spearheaded our sport's efforts to combat racism, and he is a true champion of diversity on and off the track," Mercedes said.
"Together, we share a vision for a diverse and inclusive motorsport, and this incident underscores the importance of continuing to strive for a brighter future," continued Mercedes.
Meanwhile the FIA said, "The FIA strongly condemns any racist or discriminatory language and behavior, which has no place in sport or society at large."
"We express our solidarity with Lewis Hamilton and fully support his commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in motorsports," the FIA statement continued.
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