Max Verstappen has leapt to the defence of Nelson Piquet as the former world champion faces a Formula 1 lifetime ban following his n-word description of Lewis Hamilton.
Verstappen says Piquet was 'not correct' to use phrases when talking about Hamilton on a podcast which have been widely condemned as racist. But the Dutchman insisted 69-year-old Piquet is a "nice guy", is "not a racist", should not be banned from F1 tracks and that, while the Brazilian's remarks could not be excused, the incident had been "blown out of all proportion".
Verstappen, whose partner Kelly is Piquet's daughter, said: "I've spent a bit of time with Nelson – more than the average person in general – and he's definitely not a racist. He's actually a really nice and relaxed guy. The wording which was used – even though there are different kinds of cultures and it's probably something they said when they were younger – was not correct.
"He knows that himself. I don't think he needs me to tell him what is right and what isn't. Let it be a lesson for the future not to use that word because it's very offensive. It can be interpreted in two ways and people pick up on the bad side and of course it gets really blown out of proportion.
"People label him as a racist now which I don't think he is, but I fully agree of course you cannot use these words." Piquet used a slang version of the n-word and, in a grovelling apology, claimed the way it was used was not as offensive as the translation from Portuguese that has been given.
But Formula 1's governing body, the FIA, is widely expected to confirm a lifetime paddock ban for Piquet after the British Racing Drivers Club – which owns and operates Silverstone – suspended the Brazilian and confirmed they would be stripping him of his honorary membership.
But if the ban is implemented, Verstappen thinks it would be the wrong move. The current world champion said: "I think it's better to open a conversation than to ban people. You are not helping the situation by doing that. It's not helping what you are trying to enforce... it's better to chat. I don't think he should be banned from the paddock – especially as he's a three-time world champion."
