The Brazilian used a derogatory term in an interview given in November last year when talking about the 2021 British GP. 7 Hamilton called for action after Pique used racial slurs when he hit his driver Credit: Splash 7 Pique has been convicted of using derogatory language 7 Verstappen with Piquet’s daughter Kelly after winning the F1Credit: Getty world title Pique, whose daughter Kelly is in a relationship with Red Bull’s Max Ferstappen, slammed Hamilton’s drive to Silverstone where he came in contact with the Dutchman in an explosive first lap. Verstappen was sent to run the hurdles and taken to hospital for tests, while Hamilton won his home race for the eighth time. Pique claims that Hamilton was to blame and referred to him as an attacker, who initially lost the local Brazilian media. In response to Pique, Hamilton sharply criticized the former F1 driver calling for action and said he had been “targeted” for abuse “all his life”. He wrote on Twitter: “It is more than just language. “These are archaic mentalities that need to change and have no place in our sport. “I am surrounded by these behaviors and they have targeted me all my life. “There was a lot of time to learn. It’s time for action.” 7 Nelson Piquet, Max Verstappen and Kelly PiquetCredit: u / caboose979 7 Former F1 champion Nelson Piquet with current star Max VerstappenCredit: @piquetjr F1 also responded to a statement in support of Hamilton by saying: “Biased or racist language is unacceptable in any form and has no role in society. “Lewis is an incredible ambassador for our sport and he deserves respect. His tireless efforts to increase diversity and inclusion are a lesson for many and something we are committed to in F1.” Hamilton’s Mercedes team has also criticized Pique, who won the World Cup with Brabham in 1981 and 1983, and again with Williams in 1987. A statement from Mercedes said: “We strongly condemn any use of racist or discriminatory language. 7 Max Verstappen and his girlfriend Kelly PiquetCredit: Rex 7 Valterri Bottas with former F1 champion Nelson Piquet in 2018Credit: Getty “Lewis has been at the forefront of our sport’s efforts to combat racism and is a true champion of diversity on and off the track. “Together, we share a vision for a diverse and inclusive motorsport, and this incident underscores the fundamental importance of continuing to strive for a better future.” Although F1 responded quickly, there is still no indication of what positive action will be taken. Outraged fans urged Pique to ban him from attending any future F1 events, causing the sport to stand on their “We Race As One” motto. Earlier this month, Hamilton became an honorary citizen of Brazil after a bill was passed in the Brazilian parliament. The 37-year-old racer, who has widely acknowledged that Brazilian F1 star Ayrton Senna was his idol, has been backed by the public. His image has also been widely used in conjunction with opposition to the controversial Brazilian president, Zaire Bolsonaro.
