Formula 1: Max Verstappen backs Lewis Hamilton and feels Nelson Piquet is not a racist: Red Bull’s driver and reigning F1 champion Max Verstappen has backed Lewis Hamilton and feels that the three-time F1 champion Nelson Piquet is not a racist after he used a racist remark for the Brit driver last year after the British Grand Prix. Meanwhile, Verstappen is currently dating Nelson Piquet’s daughter Kelly Piquet. Follow Formula 1 Updates and British Grand Prix Live on InsideSport.IN.
The Dutchman made it clear he was Hamilton’s ally, while likewise expressing Piquet is definitely not a racist and said, “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.”
Formula 1: Red Bull’s Max Verstappen comes out in SUPPORT of Lewis Hamilton, feels Nelson Piquet is not a RACIST after his comments on Mercedes star
“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.” Meanwhile, Verstappen clarified that there is solidarity among the F1 grid in their battle against racial discrimination.
It’s more than language. These archaic mindsets need to change and have no place in our sport. I’ve been surrounded by these attitudes and targeted my whole life. There has been plenty of time to learn. Time has come for action.
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) June 28, 2022
“That’s what we are working on in F1, together with Lewis. We are working on that for the future and all the drivers agree on that. We all support that,” Verstappen added.
Meanwhile, Verstappen, who has spent quite a bit of time with Nelson Piquet feels that the former F1 driver is not a racist at all. “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. He’s actually a really nice and relaxed guy,” Verstappen added.
Formula 1: Red Bull’s Max Verstappen comes out in SUPPORT of Lewis Hamilton, feels Nelson Piquet is not a RACIST after his comments on Mercedes star
“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. 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,” The Dutch driver asserted.
“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 not the correct word to use,” Verstappen concluded.
The FIA strongly condemns any racist or discriminatory language and behaviour, which have no place in sport or wider society. We express our solidarity with @LewisHamilton and fully support his commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in motor sport.
— FIA (@fia) June 28, 2022
Moreover, Piquet has been banned from attending the British Grand Prix starting today and was even a privileged individual of the British Racing Drivers Club. The BRDC have taken into account what Piquet said and will officially throw him out of their ranks in a board meeting conducted in seven days’ time.
Formula 1: Red Bull’s Max Verstappen comes out in SUPPORT of Lewis Hamilton, feels Nelson Piquet is not a RACIST after his comments on Mercedes star
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