Pique apologized to Hamilton: “Lewis is an incredible driver. It was not my intention to humiliate him because of the color of his skin.”

Three-time Formula 1 champion Nelson Piquet apologized to Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, but said his words to the Briton were misinterpreted.

In November 2021, the 69-year-old Brazilian, during an analysis of an episode of the British Grand Prix race and an accident in the first part of the distance, called Hamilton “neguinho”, which is considered a discriminatory racist word. A video with this episode circulated online on the eve of the weekend at Silverstone as part of the 2022 season. Pique’s statement was strongly condemned in the International Automobile Federation (FIA), many Formula 1 racers expressed support for Hamilton.

— What I said was poorly thought out and I’m not trying to defend myself, however, this term was widely used colloquially in Brazilian Portuguese as a synonym for the word “guy” or “man” and is never used to insult.

I would never use the word that I am accused of in some translations. I strongly condemn any suggestion that the word was used by me to humiliate the pilot because of his skin color. I sincerely apologize to everyone affected, including Lewis, who is an incredible rider. But the translation in some media, which is now circulating on social networks, is incorrect. Discrimination has no place either in Formula 1 or in society, and I am happy to clarify my thoughts on this matter, ”Autosport Pique quotes a statement.

As a result of the mentioned incident, which was emotionally discussed by Piqué, Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, who is dating Nelson’s daughter Kelly, retired from the race.

Hamilton is a seven-time Formula 1 champion.