Nelson Piquet facing £1.6m fine in Brazil over racist and homophobic comments on Lewis Hamilton

In 2021, Nelson Piquet used the "N" word to describe the seven-time world champion, Sir Lewis Hamilton. Two years later, he is facing the consequences of his actions.

Nelson Piquet facing £1.6m fine in Brazil over racist and homophobic comments on Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton, Nelson Piquet. Images via Pinterest and CNN.

Former Formula 1 world champion Nelson Piquet is facing a conviction, for making racist and homophobic remarks about the seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton. Though the video surfaced last year, Nelson Piquet made those controversial comments in 2021. During an interview, he used racist words to describe the Briton. His comments received backlash, and he had to suffer the consequences of his words. 

Piquet was banned from the F1 paddock. He apologized and insisted that it was a mere translation inaccuracy. The 70-year-old claimed that there was no racial intention. However, his comments triggered the community. The Brazilian Public Prosecutor’s office called for his conviction for making those remarks against Lewis Hamilton. Piquet will have to pay a fine of £1.6m. It is due to the collective moral damages done by him. 

YouTube video

FS Video

This has been going on since 2022, and the civil court of Brasilia will decide by 20th March. In 2021, during an interview, Piquet used the “N” word to describe Sir Lewis Hamilton. “The ‘n*******’ was more focused on giving a** at that time. He was kinda bad.” This comment caused havoc. Any form of discrimination must be condoned. It questions the morality of the individual. 

Related: What is the Formula One halo, and how does it save lives?

The Nelson Piquet-Lewis Hamilton racial abuse saga

IMG COM 20230310 1450 03 8083
Lewis Hamilton & Nelson Piquet. (Images via Top Gear)

The Public Prosecutor’s office stated, “violates the rights of the victim and of the black and LGBTQIA+ population, considering both international and national norms.” Piquet will now face legal consequences. Lewis Hamilton was made an honourary citizen of Brazil last year. A bill was passed in the country’s parliament. He is a well-respected person in Brazil, and it only makes sense for them to call for Piquet’s conviction after the cruel remarks. 

Lewis Hamilton responded to Piquet’s comments, “These archaic mindsets need to change and have no place in our sport. I’ve been surrounded by these attitudes and targeted my whole life. There has been plenty of time to learn. Time has come for action.” He called for action. Hamilton is the only person of color on the grid. Throughout his life, he had to fight against racism. He often admitted how difficult it was for him to face these challenges while growing up.

The Briton has devoted his life to fighting for inclusivity and making the sport diverse. He has taken up several projects focusing on diversity, and Mission 44 is a perfect example. It is a project close to Hamilton’s heart. It supports young people from underserved backgrounds and helps them with education, employment, and empowerment. Hamilton is not that little kid who got bullied anymore. He has a voice and a huge platform to express his thoughts and emotions. He aims to spread positivity and love.

In case you missed it:

A look into some of the weirdest pre-race routines followed by Formula 1 drivers.

F1 world champion Jenson Button to make NASCAR debut at COTA