A racist comment Nelson Picketformer Formula 1 champion e Kelly’s father, Max Verstappen’s girlfriendon Lewis Hamilton lit the fuse of a possible fire that F1 was responsible for putting out via social networks on Tuesday.

The three-time Formula 1 world champion in 1981, 1983 and 1987 used the term “neginho” (black). It was during an interview, in which Piquet referred to what happened at Silverstone last year between Hamilton and Verstappen, that they touched on the first lap and the Red Bull driver ended up with his car destroyed after going crashing into the wall.

By consulting him, they compared that maneuver to that of Ayrton Senna against Alain Prost in the final fight for the 1990 title in Suzuka (Japan). The Brazilian specified: “What happened at Silverstone?” He asked. Black (Hamilton) put the car in and drove away. Senna didn’t. Senna went straight. Do you really think he wouldn’t turn around? I was like ‘I’ll do it here anyway’. The little black man got into the car and drove away because there was no way two cars could get through that curve. He played dirty. He was lucky that only the other driver (Verstappen) got screwed“.

Although they have apologized for their “lack of context”, that word has a derogatory and racist component that has sparked the reaction of both F1 itself and the International Automobile Federation (FIA) and Mercedes.

“Discriminatory or racist language is unacceptable in any of its forms and has no place in society. Lewis is an incredible ambassador of our sport and deserves respect.. The relentless efforts to increase diversity and inclusion are a lesson for everyone and something we are committed to in F1 “, the category published on his social networks, where Piquet’s racist statements have made the most noise.

Meanwhile, Mercedes banked her driver and tweeted: “We strongly condemn any use of racist or discriminatory language. Lewis has led our sport’s efforts to combat racism and he is a true champion of diversity on and off the track. Together we share a vision of diverse and inclusive racing and this incident underlines the fundamental importance of continuing to fight for a bright future. “

The FIA ​​also expressed itself “strongly condemning any racist or discriminatory language, which has no place in sport or society”. “We express our solidarity with Lewis Hamilton and are strongly committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in motorsport,” stressed the body.

This Friday, the action of the British Grand Prix will begin at Silverstone, where one day before the drivers will make contact with the press and Hamilton will surely be asked about this. For now, the seven-time world champion has remained on the sidelines on his social networks.