Brazilian Formula 1 world champion Nelson Piquet was ordered by a Brazilian court to pay five million reais, about one million dollars, for making racist and homophobic remarks about British driver Lewis Hamilton. The 20th Civil Court of Brasilia ruled this compensation as collective moral damages for offenses described as crimes committed by the seven-time F1 world champion. The court’s note underscored the broader impact of the remarks on society as a whole.
“The crimes committed by the defendant affect not only the individual rights of the victim but also the values of society, especially the black community and the LGBTQIA+ community,” stated Judge Pedro Matos de Arruda, who authored the judgment. The decision, which can be appealed, ordered the money to be allocated to funds dedicated to advancing racial equality and combating discrimination against the LGBTQIA+ community.
The case began after several human rights associations filed a lawsuit alleging that Piquet’s comments violated the basic collective dignity of Black people and LGBTQIA+ individuals. The remarks were made during a November 2021 interview on a YouTube channel.
In that interview, Piquet used the term “neguinho” (a diminutive for Black people) to refer to Hamilton and spoke in a manner deemed homophobic. He also dismissed other drivers, saying, “Keke (Rosberg)? He was a piece of shit. He was worthless. Like his son (Nico Rosberg). He won a championship. Little Black (for Hamilton) should have given more back then and he was half bad.”
The statements sparked a significant wave of controversy and condemnation across Formula 1, prompting Piquet to issue a public apology soon after. Still, the judge ruled that Piquet’s remarks were discriminatory and punishable under the law.
“Whenever the accused mentioned the British driver, he consistently used the word ‘neguinho’ to criticize him, associating him with a period when he did not perform well on the track or behaved in a way he deemed wrong,” the judge explained. The use of the term in this context was not an affectionate nickname; it evoked a negative stereotype, implying the black driver belongs to a lower category. This demonstrates discriminatory behavior with a harmful connotation, the verdict noted.
The judge further found that Piquet’s association of homosexuality with negative traits such as incompetence suggested a bias that linked sexual orientation to personal failure. The immediate laughter captured in the interview was interpreted as reinforcing that negative connotation, contributing to a cynical tone that amplified the offense.
The ruling emphasizes that the impact of the words goes beyond the individual, affecting the dignity of entire communities and undermining efforts toward equality. The court’s decision reflects a broader legal and social stance against language that promotes racial or sexual prejudice, particularly in a high-profile sport where public figures influence fans and young audiences.
Experts note that the outcome aligns with a growing trend in Brazil and elsewhere to hold public figures accountable for statements that promote discrimination. The case illustrates how collective rights claims can be used to address harm that extends beyond a single person, seeking remedies that support social inclusion and the protection of vulnerable groups.
Legal observers say that the amount awarded will be directed to initiatives and funds aimed at advancing racial equality and supporting LGBTQIA+ causes, reinforcing the principle that accountability for hate speech includes funding positive social change. The decision also signals that future statements by prominent individuals may be scrutinized more closely for their potential to perpetuate prejudice and harm, both at home and on the global stage.