Nelson Piquet and Lewis Hamilton’s issue: Max Verstappen defends…
The topic of racism has been front and centre at the Formula 1 press conference ahead of the British Grand Prix.
After Nelson Piquet was slammed for his choice of words in describing Lewis Hamilton, it was all everyone could talk about on Thursday.
While all eyes were on the seven-time World Champion and his comments, there was also interest in hearing from Max Verstappen.
That’s because Verstappen’s girlfriend, model Kelly Piquet, is the daughter of the three-time World Champion.
The Dutchman made it clear he was on Hamilton’s side, while also stating Piquet isn’t a racist.
“I think the wording which was used, even though of course with different kinds of cultures and things probably they said when they were little and younger, was not correct,” Verstappen told Sky Sports.
“Let it be a lesson for the future not to use that word because it’s very offensive and especially nowadays it gains even more traction.”
Verstappen made it clear that there is unity amongst the F1 grid in their fight against racial discrimination.
Nelson Piquet and Lewis Hamilton’s issue: Max Verstappen defends…
“That’s what we are working on in F1, together with Lewis,” he said. “We are working on that for the future and all the drivers agree on that. We all support that.”
Max says Piquet isn’t racist
However, Verstappen added that the Brazilian legend isn’t a racist.
“I’ve spent a bit of time with Nelson, I think more than the average person in general, and he is definitely not a racist,” said Verstappen. “He’s actually a really nice and relaxed guy.
“I’m pretty sure also, in the statement he released, I think you can see the word in two ways. But I think it’s still just better not to use it.
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“I don’t think he needs me to tell him what is right and what isn’t. He already said in his statement I think he realised that he used the wrong word.
“So who am I to then call him? I don’t think it will change anything anyway. I think he realised it was probably not the correct word to use – well, clearly it’s correct word to use.”
