Nelson Piquet has outraged the Formula 1 world by making a racial slur towards Lewis Hamilton during 2021 British GP. The news has grabbed the headlines once the footage was released ahead of this year’s race in Silverstone and, like many, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff also had his say on the situation.
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Wolff has been on Hamilton’s side ever since he joined Mercedes and believes the term used by Piquet ultimately has no place in today’s world. Speaking to RTL, he said, “There is a driver in our car who has suffered from this all his life. A driver who as a child, as an eight-year-old, got exactly these kinds of words thrown at his head on the track. In this day and age, these are not jokes.” (Translated using Google)
The Mercedes boss also wants people to step in the shoes of Anthony Hamilton, Lewis’ father, who has stayed beside his son throughout his racing journey. Moreover, Hamilton himself has questioned the lack of diversity in the sport.
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Toto added, “Imagine going to the sports field with your child and someone is racist about your own child. Many people forget to take such a situation into account in themselves. Racist or semi-racist statements are easily dismissed, but imagine someone saying it about your own child. How do you react?”
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The seven time world champion has broken many records in F1 despite facing hurdles throughout his career. He has also been vocal about the need to educate people on this issue. As a result, he set up the Hamilton commission in 2020 with an aim to improve diversity in motor sport.
Toto Wolff believes Nelson Piquet’s comments will only encourage Lewis Hamilton to perform
The British GP is an important race for both Hamilton and Mercedes. The team has had a strong foothold at this venue in the recent years. However, the Silver Arrows have only the third best car on the grid this year.
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ISTANBUL, TURKEY – NOVEMBER 15: Race winner Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP celebrates winning a 7th F1 World Drivers Championship with Mercedes GP Executive Director Toto Wolff in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of Turkey at Intercity Istanbul Park on November 15, 2020 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Dan Istitene – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
Nevertheless, Wolff believes that Piquet’s comments will only make Hamilton better on the track. And during a weekend where they need a huge result to stay in contention, the Austrian remains confident in the Brit.
He stated, “The more adversity Lewis faced in the past, the better his performances. It’s something that fuels him – and if we give him a car which is just a few tenths off the leaders, he will win the race.”
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Hamilton is yet to taste victory in 2022, but Silverstone is an enormous opportunity to showcase his prowess. He has the most number of wins in his home turf and will look to further extend this extraordinary streak.
