The British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) has suspended Nelson Piquet from honorary membership.
The decision comes after the three-time Formula One champion used a racist term in reference to Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton. Earlier, Piquet was banned from entering the F1 paddock.
The BRDC said it expects Piquet to be expelled from the organization.
Given the policy of zero tolerance for any racist acts and implying racism, the BRDC Board has concluded that Nelson Piquet’s use of racist and offensive language to describe a fellow BRDC (and seven-time world champion) is unacceptable and is behavior totally inconsistent with the BRDC’s status as an honorary member, despite the subsequent apology.
We have informed Mr. Piquet Sr. of the suspension of his membership. The decision is effective immediately. After going through the necessary procedures, the Council is expected to expel Mr. Piquet Sr. at a meeting to be held after the seven-day notice period,” the BRDC said in a statement.