Lewis Hamilton pushes back against ‘old voices’ over racism
SILVERSTONE, England (AP) — Lewis Hamilton said Thursday that Formula One should ignore “old voices” and reject racism as it focuses on becoming more inclusive. Hamilton was speaking after comments made last year by three-time champion Nelson Piquet referring to Hamilton by a racial term came to wider attention this week. Former longtime F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone defended Piquet on Thursday. Hamilton says some “old voices” do not believe he should be competing in F1 and that no one should be expected to ignore racism. Standings leader Max Verstappen is dating Piquet’s daughter Kelly Piquet. Verstappen says Piquet’s language was unacceptable but he does not consider him a racist.