Max Verstappen, Red Bull Formula 1 driver, claims Nelson Piquet’s comment regarding Lewis Hamilton was “not correct”. But he believes the three-time F1 world champion is “definitely not a racist”.
Piquet is the father of Verstappen’s partner, Kelly Piquet. The content of an interview surfaced this week, where the Brazilian used a racial slur to express himself about Hamilton.
The content led to broad condemnation from the sport community over the week. Majority of the drivers and teams expressed their support for Hamilton. It also led to a ban for him from the F1 paddock.
Piquet clarified that he did not intend any racial bias to the seven times world champion. He disputed the translation and also expressed his regret to Hamilton.
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Verstappen also shared his two cents on the matter at Silverstone. He thinks that the Brazilian was not right to use the term he did.
“I think the wording that was used, even though of course with different kinds of cultures and things they said when they were little and younger, was not correct,” Verstappen said.
“Let it be a lesson for the future not to use that word. Because it’s very offensive, and especially nowadays, it gains more traction.”
But Verstappen denied claims of racial slur, saying: “I’ve spent a bit of time with Nelson. I think more than the average person in general, and he’s definitely not a racist.
“He’s actually a really nice and relaxed guy. I’m pretty sure that also the statement he released, I think you can see the word in two ways. But I think it’s still better not to use it.”
Verstappen claims he and Piquet had not spoken on the matter.
“I’m not going to call him and go hey man, that’s not correct – I think he knows that himself,” Verstappen said.
“He already said in his statement. I think he realised he used the wrong word, so who am I to then call him? I don’t think it will change anything anyway.
“As he said, it can be interpreted in two ways. And of course people pick up on the bad side. It gets really blown out of proportion. Because I know Nelson personally.
“People of course label him as a racist now, which I don’t think he is. But I fully agree that you cannot use those words.”
