Three-time Formula 1 World Champion Nelson Piquet has been handed a fine of five million Brazilian reals for racially abusing seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton.
The Brazilian used an offensive term in reference to Hamilton during an interview late in 2021, and further vulgar comments from five years prior were later uncovered.
Hamilton criticised the “archaic mindsets” like those cultivated by Piquet, and called for “action” on discrimination in F1.
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Double world champion Max Verstappen, who is in a relationship with Piquet’s daughter Kelly, condemned the abuse, but insisted that Piquet is not a racist. Other drivers – Charles Leclerc, George Russell and Daniel Ricciardo among them – sent messages of support to the Mercedes driver.
A court has now ruled that Piquet must pay five million Brazilian reals (£780,000) for moral damages.
After the remarks resurfaced, Piquet issued an apology to Hamilton – who was made an honorary citizen of Brazil last year – but maintained that they were “not intended to offend.”
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