Seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton on Tuesday (28) responded to racist comments made by former driver Nelson Beckett in an interview about the crash between the Briton and Max Verstappen, now his brother-in-law, at the Grand Prix. From England last year.
The video was recorded in November 2021, but it only went viral over that weekend. On Tuesday morning, Hamilton posted messages on his social networks about the subject, including one in Portuguese.
“Let’s focus on changing the mindset,” he wrote. Then he posted in English that the situation is “more than one language”.
“These old mindsets need to change and have no place in our sport. I’ve been surrounded by these situations and targeted my whole life. There was a lot of time to learn. It’s time to act.”
Ahead of the British driver’s demonstration, Mercedes published a note – without naming Pique – “condemning in the strongest terms any use of racist or discriminatory language of any kind”.
“Lewis has led our sport’s efforts to combat racism, and is a true champion of diversity both on and off the track. Together, we share a vision for diverse and inclusive motorsport, and this incident highlights the fundamental importance of continuing the fight for a better future,” wrote Team Hamilton.
Soon, it was the turn of the Formula 1 profiler to make a statement, stating that “the use of discriminatory or racist language is unacceptable in any way and has no place in our society.”
“Lewis is a wonderful ambassador for our sport and deserves respect. His tireless efforts to expand diversity and inclusion are lessons for many and something we are committed to in Formula One.”
Also through social networks, the FIA ”strongly” condemned the comments “which no longer have a place in sport or in society”. “We express our solidarity with Lewis Hamilton and fully support his commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in sport.”
In the released video, Pique refers to Hamilton multiple times as a “little black” and even hints that the Briton intentionally crashed into Verstappen.
Hamilton, the only black driver in Formula 1, set up the ‘Hamilton Commission’ in 2019 in partnership with the UK’s Royal Academy of Engineering to study and encourage the integration of young blacks and minorities into the world of motorsport. In its first report published in July last year, the commission stated that only 1% of people currently working in F1 are black.
In addition to the titles he won on the track – Hamilton is the biggest winner alongside Michael Schumacher – the Briton has become an increasingly active voice in the fight against racism and minority rights. .
