F1 releases a statement after Nelson Piquet calls Lewis Hamilton a racial slur during interview

Nelson Piquet has called Lewis Hamilton the N word during an interview in Brazil with F1 and Mercedes condemning the former world champion's actions.

Piquet was discussing the first lap incident between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton at last years British Grand Prix. The Brazillian described the incident as a "joke" and Hamilton had been "lucky" only Verstappen crashed. He then went on to use a racial slur to describe Hamilton saying he was the one to blame for the crash.

F1 said in its statement: "Discriminatory or racist language is unacceptable in any form and has no part in society. Lewis is an incredible ambassador for our sport and deserves respect, his tireless efforts to increase diversity and inclusion are a lesson to many and something we are committed to at F1."

Mercedes also released a statement saying "We condemn in the strongest terms any use of racist or discriminatory language of any kind. Lewis has spearheaded our sport's efforts to combat racism, and he is a true champion of diversity on and off track.

"Together, we share a vision for a diverse and inclusive motorsport, and this incident underlines the fundamental importance of continuing to strive for a brighter future."