Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has sent a message of support to Lewis Hamilton after Nelson Piquet used a racially-abusive term about him.
Former world champion Piquet used a racist term to describe Hamilton during a podcast appearance. The Brazilian was discussing the accident between the Mercedes ace and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen during last year’s British Grand Prix.
Piquet described the incident as “a joke” and proceeded to use a racially-abusive term to refer to Hamilton. His comments have been condemned by Formula 1, Mercedes and the FIA.
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Hamilton himself has also addressed the comments, tweeting: “It’s more than language. These archaic mindsets need to change and have no place in our sport. 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 response has been backed by a number of people, including United defender Varane. The French international quoted Hamilton’s tweet as he sent his own message to show support for the seven-time world champion.
“There is no place for racism in any sport, industry or walk of life. Lewis, continue to shine the great light that you do. I stand with you,” Varane wrote.
Varane’s message comes after Piquet was widely condemned for his comments. An F1 statement said: "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."
It added: "His tireless efforts to increase diversity and inclusion are a lesson to many and something we are committed to at F1."
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