Three-time champion Nelson Piquet caused a storm by using a prejudiced and pimp term (nigger) when describing Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton in a cut of an interview from months ago that appeared this week on Youtube.

In addition, Red Bull terminated the contract of test and reserve driver Juri Vips after the Estonian used a color-biased term during a live game broadcast, although Hitech GP continued to employ the driver, much to F2's surprise.

Piquet apologized, but was banned by F1 and had his honorary position as part of the British Racing Drivers' Club suspended - and likely to be removed as well - as a consequence of his language, with the F1 community rallying around Hamilton.

Vettel, who refrains from using social media, said, "It's more than just the last few days, if we're very honest. It's probably what he, Hamilton, has been through, and his family, his whole life."

"Any form of prejudice is wrong, so I think there was so much response from the whole F1 community and so quickly, people responded and expressed support on the issue to Lewis."

"I don't think there should be room for those kinds of comments. We still have them a lot... I think we've moved on a lot more than we did many years ago, but it doesn't help when there are still these things out there and people saying inappropriate things or using inappropriate language and saying the wrong things."

"It's very important for F1 to take that responsibility and for all of us to fight this kind of absurd thing. But I think we are trying and we can't stop."

Verstappen also backs Hamilton

Reigning F1 champion Max Verstappen, even with all the rivalry between him and Hamilton, also showed his support for the seven-time champion after he was the target of his girlfriend's father Nelson Piquet's prejudiced comment. The Dutchman claimed that "it is not correct to use these words" and stated that all drivers are behind the push for change.

Speaking to Sky Sports F1, he said, "In general, I think that in the whole world, not only in Formula 1, it is not correct to use these words. It already starts in education, today at a younger age, at home and at school. You need to be taught that this kind of thing cannot be said or used in general."

"That's what we are working on. F1 together with Lewis, is working on that for the future. All the drivers are behind it and supporting it."