Formula 1 in Crisis: Nelson Piquet’s Racist Slur Against Lewis Hamilton Exposes Ugly Truths About the Sport

The world of motorsport is once again facing a reckoning with racism after a disturbing interview surfaced in which three-time Formula 1 world champion Nelson Piquet used a racial slur to describe Lewis Hamilton. The incident has sent shockwaves through the racing community and beyond, reigniting urgent conversations about the deep-rooted prejudices that still persist at the highest levels of the sport.

.

.

.

.

In the now-viral interview, Piquet casually refers to Hamilton using the n-word while discussing a controversial collision between Hamilton and Max Verstappen at the 2021 British Grand Prix. Rather than offering a fair sporting analysis, Piquet’s comments are laced with contempt and racism, reducing Hamilton to a stereotype instead of recognizing him as one of the most talented and accomplished drivers in F1 history.

What makes this incident even more egregious is the nonchalant way in which Piquet delivered the slur. There was no hesitation, no awareness of the gravity of his words—just a casual, almost routine use of one of the most offensive terms in the English language. It was a moment that laid bare the ugly undercurrent of racism that continues to infect motorsport, despite years of promises and public campaigns for diversity and inclusion.

Hamilton, a seven-time world champion and the only Black driver to ever compete in Formula 1, has long been a trailblazer in the sport. He has broken records, shattered barriers, and used his platform to speak out against injustice. Yet, time and again, he has been targeted by racist abuse from fans, commentators, and now, from a former world champion. Piquet’s words are not just a personal attack—they are a reminder of the systemic prejudice that Black athletes continue to face, even at the pinnacle of their careers.

The backlash against Piquet was swift and widespread. Formula 1, Mercedes, and the FIA all issued statements condemning the remarks, insisting that there is no place for racism in the sport. Fans and fellow drivers rallied around Hamilton, expressing their support and demanding accountability. Yet, for many, these statements ring hollow. How many more times must Hamilton and other athletes of color endure such public humiliation before real change is made?

Lewis Hamilton responded with characteristic grace and strength, calling out the “archaic mindsets” that still plague Formula 1. “It’s more than language,” Hamilton wrote on social media. “These outdated beliefs must be challenged and have no place in our sport. I’ve been surrounded by these attitudes and targeted my whole life. There has been plenty of time to learn. Time has come for action.”

But will action truly follow? Despite the condemnations, the reality is that racism in motorsport is a systemic problem. The sport remains overwhelmingly white, both on the track and in the boardrooms. Initiatives like Hamilton’s own “Mission 44” and the “Hamilton Commission” have highlighted the lack of diversity and called for concrete steps to create opportunities for underrepresented groups. Yet, progress has been slow, and incidents like Piquet’s comments show just how far there is to go.

The Piquet scandal is more than just a PR crisis for Formula 1. It is a stark reminder that racism is not a relic of the past—it is a present and persistent threat. For the sport to truly move forward, it must confront these ugly truths head-on, hold offenders accountable, and commit to building an environment where every athlete, regardless of their background, is respected and valued.

Until then, the shadow of racism will continue to haunt Formula 1, tarnishing its reputation and undermining its claims of progress. The world is watching, and the time for empty words is over. It’s time for real change.