Earlier this year, an unearthed video of former 3-time world champion – Nelson Piquet – making racist and homophobic comments about Lewis Hamilton jammed the internet.
In the aftermath of the incident, Piquet issued apologies to the fans and Hamilton and defended himself for being called a racist. But the case had been picked up by the Brazillian court and Piquet is being prosecuted, if convicted.
He may even have to pay $1.8 Million in moral and social damages if found guilty by the court. Last month, the Brazillian presented his version of the facts on the matter and asked for the case to be closed.
Also Read: When Nelson Piquet used racist term to criticize Lewis Hamilton for Silverstone crash
What is Nelson Piquet’s version of facts?
Following the backlash, Piquet issued an apology for the ill-thought-out remark and also defended himself from being called a racist.
Presenting his version of the case, Piquet argued that although he used foul language in all respect, he is not racist and has not uttered hate speech against blacks or the LGBTQIA+ community.
Moreover, the 3-time world champion’s defence stated that he has already apologised to the fans and Hamilton and explained that the translation of the word ‘neguinho’ had taken his statement out of context.
O Canal Enerto postou no YouTube um corte de uma entrevista que Nelson Piquet deu em 03/11/2021 para Ricardo Oliveira. No trecho, Nelson comenta o acidente entre Lewis e Max em Silverstone. Quando vai se referir a Lewis, Piquet utiliza uma palavra de conotação racista. Confira: pic.twitter.com/FzKCJaPZPI
— Fofocas do Paddock (@fofocaspaddock) June 22, 2022
Piquet’s comments on Lewis Hamilton
The video that was unearthed a few months ago showed Piquet criticising the F1 star for his collision with Max Verstappen at the 2021 British GP by using the N-word to describe Hamilton.
The Brazillian driver called Hamilton ‘neguinho’ which directly translates to the racial slur ‘little black man.’
Piquet said, “The little black guy put the car in and didn’t let [the other driver swerve].”
Another video showed the Brazillian making both racist and homophobic comments towards the 7-time world champion.
Speaking about Nico Rosberg defeating Hamilton in 2016, Piquet said, “the neguinho” must have been too busy “giving ass” – a homophobic slur.
When do we start acting? What more needs to be said about Lewis Hamilton for people to realise how abhorrent this is? When do we start “Racing as One” ? Enough is enough!
pic.twitter.com/qSB07tt2MS— deni (@fiagirly) July 1, 2022
Also Read: Daniel Ricciardo names $60 million per year earning driver as his favourite on F1 grid
