F1 | Brazilian Court Tries Nelson Pickett Over Racism, Homophobia

A Brazilian judge on Monday ordered an investigation into allegations by retired Formula One driver Nelson Piquet. Racist and homophobic slurs were used about Lewis Hamilton.

Pickett, 69, made the comments in interviews filmed in November, which only came to wider attention in late June. Four human rights groups have charged that Piquet, a three-time world champion, must pay 10 million Brazilian reals ($1.86 million) for causing moral harm to black and LGBTQ people.

A request for comment from Pickett was not responded to Associated PressFelipe Costa da Fonseca Gomes of the Distrito Federal Court has 15 days to state his case as a judge.

Piquet’s comments in Portuguese while discussing the crash between seven-time champion Hamilton and Max Verstappen During last year’s British Grand PrixF1 has been widely condemned by drivers, teams and the sport’s governing body.

Disgusting comment

Pickett called Hamilton “Neginho” in Portuguese, meaning “little black man”. The term is not necessarily a racist slur in Brazil, but it is an offensive-looking expression, and its wording can emphasize that.

Pickett initially apologized to Hamilton, saying the remark was “badly thought out” and not offensive. He said “Neguinho” could be used as an abbreviation for “people in general”.

But a second excerpt of the same video was published by the website on July 1 A big giftPickett left no doubt that he referred to Hamilton as a “little black man,” to which he added a homophobic slur.

The Brazilian used homophobic language to suggest the British driver is not focused on challenging Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg for the 2016 title.

‘There’s nothing wrong’

After the second summary was published, Pickett said Motorsport Magazine The outrage over his comments during the Le Mans Classic was irrelevant.

“Nothing, I didn’t say anything wrong,” Pickett said. “I don’t really care, it doesn’t disturb my life. I’m here with my friends, we’re having fun, that’s all.”