'Piquet won't be allowed in F1 paddock after racist comments on Hamilton'

Shortly after Nelson Piquet's statement, it emerged that F1 has already taken a decision concerning the former world champion. According to various sources, he is no longer welcome in the F1 paddock after racist comments he made about Lewis Hamilton.

Several international journalists, including British F1 journalist Andrew Benson, stated on Twitter that F1 has decided that they will no longer allow the Brazilian into the paddock. The statement that has been released by Piquet does not change F1's decision, as a result of which the former F1 World Champion will now have to follow the races from another place if he wants to be present at the Grands Prix.

Racism hot topic in F1

Piquet is under fire for a comment he made last year around the British Grand Prix, where Hamilton sent Max Verstappen into the wall, resulting in a major crash. It is unclear why the comments of the Dutchman's father-in-law were not called into question sooner. However, F1 and the teams are making it very clear what their stance is on racism, as it was also a topic at Red Bull Racing.

Juri Vips, a former test driver for Red Bull and active in F2, had a similar incident, but during a live stream. As a result, Estonian's contract was terminated.