Lewis Hamilton issues four-word statement after Vini Jr racism row

Seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton posted a message of support for Vinicius Jr on social media after the Brazilian complained of racial abuse during Real Madrid’s Champions League match against Benfica

Lewis Hamilton has sent a message of solidarity to Vinicius Jr after the Real Madrid player said he was racially abused during a Champions League fixture. The Brazil forward complained to referee Francois Letexier during Los Blancos’ Champions League encounter with Benfica on Tuesday evening following an incident with Argentine winger Gianluca Prestianni.

It occurred after Vini Jr opened the scoring at the Estadio da Luz, after which he celebrated the goal in front of the home supporters which provoked some Benfica players and led to the referee showing him a yellow card. He was then confronted by Prestianni who was seen covering his mouth with his shirt while speaking to Vini Jr.

The Madrid star then ran to Letexier to report a racist remark and the referee halted the game, which eventually resumed and finished 1-0 to the visitors. After the match, Prestianni posted a statement on social media, shared by the official Benfica account, in which he denied making a racist comment and claimed Vini Jr “regrettably misunderstood what he thought he heard”.

Nevertheless, governing body UEFA confirmed on Wednesday that it had appointed a disciplinary panel to assess “allegations of discriminatory behaviour” during the match. And seven-time F1 champion Hamilton was amongst the high-profile figures to share a public message of support for Vini Jr.

Sharing on his Instagram story, honorary Brazilian citizen Hamilton tagged the Real Madrid star and penned: “We are with you,” alongside a snapshot of Vini Jr. He posted whilst waiting in the paddock at the Bahrain International Circuit for his turn to drive his new Ferrari Formula 1 car during the final round of pre-season testing before the 2026 season kicks off next month.

READ MORE: ‘I was Lewis Hamilton’s team-mate – F1 icon may retire if Ferrari don’t improve this season’READ MORE: Inside UEFA investigation as Benfica star faces 10-MATCH ban after Vinicius Jr racism claim

Vini Jr has also taken to social media himself, stating: “Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to put their shirts over their mouths to demonstrate how weak they are. But they have, on their side, the protection of others who, theoretically, have the obligation to punish. Nothing that happened here today was new in my life and my family’s.

“I received a yellow card for celebrating a goal. I still don’t understand why. On the other hand, just a poorly executed protocol that served no purpose. I don’t like appearing in situations like this, even more so after a great victory and when the headlines have to be about Real Madrid, but it’s necessary.”

Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid team-mate, shared his perspective in a post-match interview. He said: “I know everything, I will explain everything that happened. Vinicius scored a goal – an amazing goal – he goes to dance and the people boo him. That’s something that happens in football. After that, there’s a moment of tension with the Benfica players. It’s better if it doesn’t happen, but this can happen too.

“After that, Benfica’s number 25 – I don’t want to say his name because he doesn’t deserve it – starts to talk badly. You don’t accept it but, again, it happens in football and it will continue to happen. He put his shirt here [over his mouth] to say Vinicius is a ****** five times. I heard it. There are Benfica players who heard it as well. And after that point, everything you have seen started.”

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