Formula 1 has convicted three-time world champion Nelson Piquet of using racist abusive language against Lewis Hamilton.
The 69-year-old Brazilian, who won the world title in 1981, 1983 and 1987, used a racist term referring to Hamilton in a podcast.
An F1 statement said: “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.”
He added: “His tireless efforts to increase diversity and integration are a lesson for many and something we are committed to in F1.”
Pique was discussing the accident between Hamilton and Red Bull driver Max Ferstappen in the first round of last year’s British Grand Prix.
Describing the incident as “funny”, he said Hamilton was “lucky” only that Ferstappen crashed and used a swear word to express his view that Hamilton was wrong.
This weekend’s British Grand Prix is the first anniversary of the incident, which was one of a series between the two drivers as they challenged last year’s world title – a championship decided under controversial circumstances in the 2021 final in Abu Dhabi.
Hamilton’s team, Mercedes, said: “We strongly condemn any use of racist or discriminatory language of any kind. Lewis has spearheaded 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.”
Pique, who is the father of Verstappen’s partner, Kelly Pique, has a history of making nasty and unpleasant statements. During his driving career, he publicly questioned the sexuality of Ayrton Senna and called his opponent “the taxi driver of Sao Paulo”.
He also made insulting remarks about Nigel Mansell and the Briton’s wife when they were teammates at Williams.
The FIA, the governing body of motorsport, said: “The FIA strongly condemns any racist or discriminatory language or behavior that has no place in sport or in society at large.
“We express our solidarity with Lewis Hamilton and fully support his commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in motorsport.”
