Max Verstappen insists Nelson Piquet 'not a racist' but condemns Lewis Hamilton slur

Max Verstappen has condemned Nelson Piquet's "very offensive" comments about Lewis Hamilton but has insisted that the Brazilian is "definitely not a racist".

In an interview that emerged this week, three-time world champion Piquet, 69, used a racial slur in reference to Hamilton, which Sky Sports understands has resulted in a ban from the F1 paddock.

Piquet apologised to Hamilton afterwards and admitted his words were "ill thought out" but denied racial intent, claiming there had been a misunderstanding.

Piquet apologised to Hamilton afterwards and admitted his words were "ill thought out" but denied racial intent, claiming there had been a misunderstanding.

Verstappen, whose partner Kelly Piquet is Nelson's daughter, says the comments were "not correct" but defended Piquet's character when speaking to reporters ahead of this weekend's British GP.

"Everyone is against racism, I think it's very straight," world champion 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.

"It's not only about that word, using offensive language to anyone, any colour, is not correct. That's to anyone in the world, not just to Lewis specifically."