Verstappen argues Piquet is not racist, Hamilton urges F1 to do more to promote diversity

Max Verstappen, said Piquet's statements were incorrect but argued the 69-year-old Brazilian is not a racist.

Max Verstappen in a file photo. (Twitter: @redbullracing)
By Niranjan Shivalkar | Jul 1, 2022 | 2 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Nelson Piquet’s use of a racist insult towards Lewis Hamilton has been justified by Max Verstappen. The world champion, Verstappen, said Piquet’s statements were incorrect but argued the 69-year-old Brazilian is not a racist. Meanwhile, Hamilton has asked that Formula One and its teams combat prejudice and encourage diversity, claiming that “older voices” are holding the sport back. Piquet is the father of Verstappen’s girlfriend, Kelly, and has been widely chastised for using a racist slur earlier this week.

Piquet’s Apology

In a statement made prior to this weekend’s British Grand Prix, Verstappen acknowledged Nelson Piquet was at blame. Piquet has subsequently apologized and maintained that the language he used was mistranslated. Piquet apologized to Hamilton in a statement, but he denied using the phrase with any racist purpose and questioned the translation. The incident was blown on social media as many fans and the people for the racing community came in support of Lewis Haamilton.

‘He’s definitely not racist’

Max Verstappen said it was incorrect for Piquet to have used the language he used on Thursday at Silverstone, when discussing the subject for the first time. “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. 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”. Expressed Verstappen.

Read more: Lewis Hamilton racially abused by Nelson Piquet in an interview

Hamiltons effort for diversity

The seven-time winner has proven his statements with actions. Hamilton and Mercedes‘ Ignite Partnership announced their first awards on Thursday as part of their shared commitment to promote diversity in sport. They have pledged $6.2 million to the charity, while Hamilton has contributed £20 million to his Mission44 effort to encourage diversity. Nonetheless, he was dissatisfied with the lack of activity by other F1 teams. In his Hamilton Commission report on increasing racing inclusion, he advocated an F1 charter to offer financing to implement diversity as well as access to apprenticeships and to promote activities by black community groups. The charter had been agreed upon but had yet to be signed.