Nelson Piquet apologizes to Lewis Hamilton. For his choice of words and because his words have been misinterpreted.
In a long statement, he distanced himself from all forms of racism.
Everything has its background in the collision between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen that occurred during the 2021 Formula 1 UK Grand Prix. Mercedes Hamilton managed to continue the race and took his eighth win at Silverstone, while Red Bulls Max Verstappen broke the race. The two were involved in a close fight over the World Cup title and Pique, whose daughter is with Max Verstappen, was later asked about the incident.
The interview with the three-time world champion was done about a year ago, but it has now been translated from Brazilian Portuguese into English and now published it’s blown right. According to a CNN translation, among other things, Pique said:
– Little n…. , he tuned the car so that there was no chance that the width of two cars would be at this turn. It’s a joke – it’s humor. It was fortunate for him that only one driver (Verstappen) had a problem.
Nelson Piquet apologizes to Lewis Hamilton
Formula 1, Mercedes and drivers such as Charles Leclerc condemned Nelson Piquet’s statement with strong words.
– Charles Leclerc (@Charles_Leclerc) June 28, 2022
But the multi-hero himself didn’t say anything – until today. He then apologizes for expressing himself clumsily and explains that the translation of what he said has been misinterpreted.
Nelson Piquet is out
“I want to sort out the story that is now circulating in the media and relates to a comment I made during an interview last year.
What I said was ill-considered and I have no defense for it, but I want to point out that it is a widespread term that has historically been used in a general sense in Brazilian Portuguese as a synonym for “guy” or “person”. It was never intended to offend anyone.
I will never use the word I am accused of using in some translations. I strongly condemn any reference to the use of this word for the purpose of belittling the driver because of the color of his skin. I sincerely apologize to everyone who was affected, including Lewis, an amazing driver. The translation circulated on social media is incorrect.
There is no place for discrimination in Formula 1 or in society and I would like to make my thoughts clear in this regard.”
Pique’s full statement ⬇️# F1 # sports pic.twitter.com/rXnV6ch7hj
– Autosport 29 June 2022
Short news about Formula 1
This weekend, Formula 1 races at Silverstone in the UK, the same course where the aforementioned incident occurred in 2021. If you want to keep track of tire choices and times, here it is.
Here you will find a guide to F1 stats at Silverstone.
Plus, you shouldn’t miss this week’s episode of our F1 podcast “Platan i Matan” where we talk about memorable races in Silverstone, Manila and review the drivers’ qualification stats and how they actually work with the tyres. What is really soft, hard and what is average? Or can the medium tire be soft or hard as well?
Plus, we talk about how the new wind tunnel rules will affect this year’s tournament.