NELSON PIQUET could reportedly be BANNED from the F1 paddock if he does not publicly apologise to Lewis Hamilton.
Three-time world champion Piquet used a racial slur when slamming the Brit’s driving during an interview in November last year.
Nelson Piquet (right) could be banned from the F1 paddock
Hamilton himself has said “the time has come for action” following the comment that Piquet made while speaking about the Brit’s driving at the 2021 British GP.
And now Piquet, 69, could have his future access to the F1 paddock revoked, according to PA.
That’s if the Brazilian does not issue a public apology to seven-time world champion Hamilton.
Coincidentally the next race on the F1 calendar is the British GP at Silverstone on July 3.
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Piquet, whose daughter Kelly is in a relationship with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, slammed Hamilton’s driving at Silverstone in 2021 where he made contact with the Dutchman on an explosive first lap.
Verstappen was sent into the barriers and taken to hospital for checks while Hamilton went on to win on home soil for an eighth time.
Piquet claims Hamilton was at fault and referred to him with the offensive term, which was initially missed by local Brazilian media.
Hamilton took to Twitter today condemning Piquet and the “archaic mindsets” that he has been subjected to throughout his life.
He wrote: “It’s more than language. These are 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.”
A statement from F1 said: “Discriminatory or racist language is unacceptable in any form and has no part in society.
“Lewis is an incredible ambassador for our sport and deserves respect. His tireless efforts to increase diversity and inclusion are a lesson to many and something we are committed to at F1.”
Meanwhile a Mercedes statement said: “We condemn in the strongest terms any use of racist or discriminatory language of any kind.
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“Lewis has spearheaded our sport’s efforts to combat racism, and he is a true champion of diversity on and off track.
“Together, we share a vision for a diverse and inclusive motorsport, and this incident underlines the fundamental importance of continuing to strive for a brighter future.”
