Max Verstappen insists Nelson Piquet is 'not a racist' as Lewis Hamilton hits out at 'older voices'

Max Verstappen has condemned Nelson Piquet’s “offensive” comments about Lewis Hamilton, but has insisted he’s “definitely not a racist”. Piquet used a racial slur towards Hamilton in an interview that surfaced this week, which has resulted in a ban from the F1 paddock, according to Sky Sports. Ad/> The former Brazilian racer and three-time world champion apologised to Hamilton afterwards, admitting his words were «ill thought out», but denied any racial intent.

/> Formula 1Mercedes updates 'don't change anything' ahead of Silverstone — Russel10 HOURS AGO Piquet claimed the term he used was «used colloquially in Brazilian Portuguese as a synonym for 'guy' or 'person' and was never intended to offend». «Everyone is against racism, I think it's very straight,» Verstappen said. «I think the wording that was used, even though of course we have different kind of cultures and [they were] things that were said when they were younger, is not correct.

»Let it be a lesson in the future not to use that word, because it's very offensive and especially nowadays, it gets even more traction. «I've spent a bit of time with Nelson, and he's definitely not a racist and he's actually a really nice and relaxed guy. »The statement he released, you can see the word in two ways but I think it's still better not to use it.