Lewis Hamilton Applauds Brazil For Making A Stand Against Nelson Piquet's Racist And Homophobic Remarks

Lewis Hamilton has spoken out on Nelson Piquet's $935,000 fine for racist and homophobic remarks against him.

Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton has applauded the Brazilian court for handing former F1 driver Nelson Piquet a huge fine of $935,000 for his racist and homophobic remarks against him.

Unearthed footage of the Brazilian driver was released last year showing Piquet referring to Hamilton in a racist and homophobic manner. The three-time champion was later taken to court and more recently, handed a huge fine for "moral damages". 

Hamilton discussed the news of the fine ahead of the Australian Grand Prix this weekend, explaining:

"I still believe that we generally shouldn't be giving people that are just full of hate a platform.

"I'd like to acknowledge the Brazil government, I think it's pretty amazing what they've done in holding someone accountable, showing people that that is not tolerated.

"Racism and homophobia is not acceptable, and there is no place for it within our society. So I love that they've shown that they stand for something."

The judge, Judge Pedro Matos de Arrudo, explained why that fine amount was chosen, according to Sky Sports:

"In the sense that one should not only appreciate the reparative function of civil liability but also (and perhaps mainly) the punitive function so that, as a society, we can someday be free from the pernicious acts that are racism and homophobia".

Hamilton is passionate about using his platform to fight against racism and for increased diversity within the sport, which is something he has been clear he will continue to do despite the FIA ruling against drivers making personal, political, or religious statements.