Nelson Pique won the world title in 1981, 1983 and 1987.
Formula One has condemned three-time world champion Nelson Pique for using racist insulting words about Lewis Hamilton.
The 69-year-old Brazilian, who won the world title in 1981, 1983 and 1987, uses a racially offensive term, referring to Hamilton in a podcast.
A statement from F1 said: “Discriminatory or racist language is unacceptable in any form and has no participation in society.
“Lewis is an amazing ambassador for our sport and deserves respect.”
It adds: “His tireless efforts to increase diversity and inclusion are a lesson to many and something we are committed to in Formula One.”
Pique was discussing the incident between Hamilton and Red Bull driver Max Verstappen on the first lap of last year’s British Grand Prix.
He described the incident as a “joke”, saying that Hamilton was “lucky”, only that Verstappen crashed and used swearing to express his opinion that Hamilton had made a mistake.
The British Grand Prix this weekend is the first anniversary of the incident, which was one of a series between the two drivers as they contested last year’s world title – a championship decided in controversial circumstances at the 2021 final in Abu Dhabi.
Hamilton’s Mercedes team said: “We strongly condemn any use of racist or discriminatory language of any kind. Lewis has led our sport to combat racism and he is a true champion of diversity both on and off the track.
“Together we share a vision for a diverse and inclusive motor sport, and this incident underscores the fundamental importance of continuing to strive for a brighter future.”
Pique, who is the father of Verstappen’s partner Kelly Pique, has a history of unpleasant and unpleasant statements. During his driving career, he publicly questioned Ayrton Senna’s sexuality and called his rival the “Sao Paulo taxi driver.”
He also made insulting comments about Nigel Mansel and the Briton’s wife when they were teammates at Williams.
The FIA, the governing body of motor sports, said: “The FIA strongly condemns any racist or discriminatory language and behavior that has no place in sport or society as a whole.
“We express our solidarity with Lewis Hamilton and fully support his commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in motorsport.
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