Former Formula One three-time world champion Nelson Piquet has been condemned for using racially abusive language towards Lewis Hamilton, with the majority of the current grid speaking out in his defence.Whilst referring to the seven-time world champion, Piquet used a racially abusive term in a derogatory way when analysing the crash between him and Max Verstappen at the British Grand Prix last year.The fact that this interview is only just being picked up in the main stream media and being acted on highlights a major problem in itself.Piquet’s daughter is the current partner of Verstappen, so to see him taking the Dutchman’s side in an incident that split the F1 community is no surprise.However, to refer to Hamilton like he did is simply unacceptable and cannot be tolerated in any way shape or form, there’s no room for that sort of behaviour in any instance.We saw Formula One and Mercedes make their own statements swiftly, along with the FIA which is good to see, although we need the governing bodies to act on their words too, which they appear to be doing.

Thankfully, plenty of the grid have spoken out in Hamilton’s support, most team Twitter accounts showed their solidarity with the seven-time world champion, with almost every driver doing the same.

His teammate George Russell tweeted: Huge respect to LH. He has done more for the sport than any driver in history, not just on track but off it. 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.

Charles Leclerc also spoke out, he went on to say: “Knowing Lewis since I arrived in Formula 1, he has always been kind and respectful to me and everyone that he meets. 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 our society as well.”

Whilst Daniel Ricciardo had this to say on the matter: “Discrimination and racism has no place in this sport or our society. Those who still choose to spread the hate and use those words are no friends of mine.

“I want to acknowledge Lewis and all the work he has done both on and off the track to not only spread messages of equality but combat that 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.”

Esteban Ocon also made a statement, saying: “All racist or discriminatory language has absolutely no part in our sport and our society. Enough is enough.

“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 the 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.”

Mick Schumacher’s Instagram story read ‘We stand with Lewis Hamilton’ and Pierre Gasly’s story had an image saying ‘You can’t love the culture and not support the people.’

Zhou Guanyu added: “I join Lewis and the motorsport community in standing against any form of racism, discrimination and prejudice.”

Both Lando Norris and Nicholas Latifi retweeted Hamilton’s tweet with Carlos Sainz doing the same for the Ferrari tweet quoting F1’s statement.

Guenther Steiner gave the following statement to Sky Sports when asked about the issues:

Some of the biggest names in the sport responding admirably is what we needed, but now is the time to take action on this disgusting behaviour, there’s no place for that sort of language to be used in any context.

We stand with Lewis Hamilton.

ISTANBUL, TURKEY - NOVEMBER 15: Race winner Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP celebrates winning a 7th F1 World Drivers Championship on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Turkey at Intercity Istanbul Park on November 15, 2020 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)