After Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen collided on the first lap of the 2021 British Grand Prix, three-time Formula 1 World Champion Nelson Piquet was critical of Hamilton and called him a racial slur in Portuguese on a podcast. Now, the seven-time champ has responded to Piquet’s slur and called on changing the “archaic mindsets” that have surrounded Hamilton his entire life.
Hamilton, who was recently granted honorary Brazilian citizenship, called for change and action and even posted in Portuguese, “Let’s focus on changing the mindset.”
Many, including Hamilton’s teammate George Russell, have praised Hamilton for his comments. But many others have doubts the FIA and Formula 1 will actually do anything to Piquet. Other than making standard “we’re against racism” PR statements. As of Tuesday morning, Piquet, Verstappen, and Oracle Red Bull Racing haven’t responded to what Piquet said or Hamilton’s response to what was said. Verstappen is currently dating Piquet’s daughter.
About Phillip Bupp
Producer/editor of the Awful Announcing Podcast and Short and to the Point. News editor for The Comeback and Awful Announcing. Highlight consultant for Major League Soccer as well as a freelance writer for hire. Opinions are my own but feel free to agree with them.
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