A host of Formula drivers have shown public support for Sir Lewis Hamilton after the seven-time champion was racially abused by Nelson Piquet.
The Brazilian was speaking about an incident between Hamilton and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen last season he appeared to direct a racist term at the Briton, and the comments from last year have now re-surfaced.
This latest news comes after he allegedly used derogatory terms to describe 1992 champion Nigel Mansell and three-time champion Ayrton Senna, and there is now speculation that F1 intends to ban the 69-year-old if he does not issue a public apology to Hamilton.
READ: Piquet facing strong punishment from Formula 1 after using racial slur against Hamilton
The Mercedes driver called for more to be done to tackle vile hatred and discrimination.
“It’s more than language. These archaic mindsets need to change and have no place in our sport,” he tweeted.
“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.”
Hamilton’s team-mate, George Russell, joined a host of Hamilton’s peers in expressing their support and admiration for him, as well as their condemnation of the language used by Piquet.
“Huge respect to LH. He has done more for the sport than any driver in history, not just on track but off it,” said the 24-year-old.
“The fact that he and so many others are STILL having to deal with this behaviour is unacceptable. We all need to stand together against discrimination of any kind.”
Daniel Ricciardo then took to Instagram to assert his firm stance against discrimination.
“Discrimination and racism has no place in the sport or our society,” said the Australian.
“Those who still choose to spread hate and use those words are no friends of mine.
“I want to acknowledge Lewis and all of the work he has done both on and off the track to not only spread messages of equality but combat hate.
“I’ve never dealt with any racially motivated actions, but he has for his entire life. Yet each time his response to the hate is motivated by maturity, positivity and educating the world on how we should act.
“I stand with him and will do whatever I can to follow and support.”
Alpine’s Esteban Ocon also acknowledged what Hamilton has done for the pinnacle of motorsport, and vowed to help change the abhorrent attitudes of those who perpetrate discrimination and prejudice.
“All racist or discriminatory language has absolutely no part in our sport and our society. Enough is enough,” he said.
“I’ve worked and spent time with Lewis over the years and know the kind of person he is.
“Always genuine and respectful with everyone around him. He has done so much for F1, on and off track, and we are proud to have him at the forefront of our fight for further diversity and inclusion in motorsport.
“I stand with Lewis and his continued efforts to make the sport we love a better place for all.”
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc expressed a similar sentiment.
“Knowing Lewis since I arrived in Formula 1, he has always been kind and respectful to me and everyone that he meets,” he added on his Instagram story.
“Those values should be the standard towards anybody around the world.
“The comments made towards Lewis should not be tolerated, and we should continue to push for a more diverse and inclusive sport.
“We need to remove discriminatory behaviour and racist language in any form from not just our sport but from our society as well.”
Haas’ Mick Schumacher shared a Mercedes post with Hamilton pictured to his story, adding the caption “We stand with you Lewis Hamilton.”
Zhou Guanyu lent his support to the 103-time race winner.
“I join Lewis and the motorsport community in standing against any form of racism, discrimination and prejudice,” said the Alfa Romeo driver.
Multiple teams, as well as F1 and the FIA, have reached out to Hamilton to show solidarity amid the abuse suffered at the hands of Piquet.