Nelson Piquet’s comments against Lewis Hamilton have taken the internet by storm. It left the world of F1 stunned and furious at the former champion; with messages of support and promises of change flooding the cyberspace. Immediately, drivers like Daniel Ricciardo, Charles Leclerc, Mick Schumacher, and even F1 teams lent their support to Hamilton. However, Red Bull and Max Verstappen remained quiet. As recent events unfurled, maybe the damage would be more minor if it stayed that way.
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The reigning champion boldly attested to Piquet’s character: “he’s definitely not a racist.” Plainly, the internet did not take this well. Considering Verstappen is dating the former champion’s daughter, some could say his hands were tied, while others, that he was biased. Fans, however, couldn’t seem to find a reasonable defense for the Dutchman, even if they tried to.
Verstappen’s statements were not limited to the short phrase. Defending Piquet, the 2021 world champion painted a pretty picture of the triple world champion. “I’ve spent a bit of time with Nelson… He’s actually a really nice and relaxed guy.”
Regardless of his arguments supporting Piquet, Verstappen believes what happened was wrong. “People of course label him as a racist now, which I don’t think he is, but I fully agree that you cannot use those words.” He added, “Let it be a lesson for the future not to use that word, because it’s very offensive, and especially nowadays, it gains more traction.”
This staunch defense of the internet’s newfound villain only drew the spotlight onto the man fighting for him.
Max Verstappen faces the wrath of the internet
Listening to these words, the internet didn’t take it easy on Max Verstappen. Tennis star Naomi Osaka’s tweet hit the spot for some; for others, their words did the job.
Impeccable timing queen
Max: We need to have these conversations about why this is wrong Also Max: I'm not starting that conversation with my father-in-law
Genuinely what's the difference between Ecclestone defending Putin and Max defending Piquet? Both undermining serious issues because of their personal relationships. So because Max likes Piquet and they have a wonderful time together, we should move on from the racist attack?
Fans also collectively agreed that the initial silence would’ve been the better route. Although they extensively questioned Red Bull‘s absence from the discussion, the driver may have done more damage than good.
max shouldve consider shutting the fuck up instead cause….
Max Verstappen says Nelson Piquet's comment about Lewis Hamilton was "not correct", but the three-time world champion is "definitely not a racist" autosport.com/f1/news/versta…
On the other hand, the loyal Orange Army, too, couldn’t help but shake their heads.
won’t be on here much tonight, annoyed/disappointed at what max said about Piquet not being racist.. hope that he clears things up cause what he said is not okay and frankly has made it worse. God knows how anyone on redbull or let that go Will still be looking at dms :,)!
Who is Max Verstappen? 1.The reason I live🙏. 3.The man that lets me survive‼️ 4.The reason I have a job💯 5.The true colors of joy✅ 6.The reason I don’t kill myself yet🙏🏼 7.The man that makes me happy😃 8. The guy that sometimes needs to shut up
yes max is against what piquet said, yes he stands with lewis, yes he thinks we need to educate people on what that word means and why it offends black people, but he still said (as a white man) that a racist is not a racist and he does not get to decide that.
I'm sorry Max, I'm gonna let them drag your ass for this. All the best for Sunday though
Max Verstappen says Nelson Piquet's comment about Lewis Hamilton was "not correct", but the three-time world champion is "definitely not a racist" autosport.com/f1/news/versta…
F1 bans Piquet from the paddock- but is that fair?
The Red Bull star furthered his argument by claiming that F1’s actions against Piquet weren’t necessary. Profoundly, the driver claimed it was better to start an exchange, rather than ban people from the paddock.
“You have to communicate. Communication is really important because if you just ban, it’s not helping what you’re trying to enforce. You’re trying to educate people. So it’s better to have a chat.”
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Additionally, the driver likens the situation with Hamilton to one of a personal fight. Communication being the key to solving such problems, Verstappen claimed that “you have a good chat and you apologize” and move on.
As a closing statement, the champ added no one should be banned from the paddock for making such a mistake- “especially a three-time world champion.”
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The flak thrown at Verstappen is justified as the sport looks to fight its way through these social issues. With Lewis Hamilton leading the way, the battle is long and hard. Although Verstappen’s comments are questionable, one thing holds true: education on the matter is the way to go.