The only thing missing was him to perhaps end the controversy.
This Thursday, at a press conference before the first laps of the British Grand Prix (Sunday, 4 p.m. on Canal +), Max Verstappen finally spoke to denounce Nelson Piquet's racist remarks towards Lewis Hamilton, held last year in a media and revealed this Tuesday.
“I think it is not correct to use these words in general, commented the Dutch world champion.
I think it already starts with education.
Today, from an early age, whether at home or at school, they must be taught that one cannot say or use these words in general.
This is what we are working on.
F1 and Lewis are working together on this project (the fight against racism) for the future and all the drivers are behind it.
We all support this project.
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🔴 Max Verstappen condemns Nelson Piquet's racist remarks towards Lewis Hamilton.
The reigning world champion supports the movement for a better education of the younger generations.
(🗞️ #SkySportsF1)#F1 #BritishGP pic.twitter.com/DymtUvATMs
— Off Track (@OffTrack_FR) June 30, 2022
Verstappen's reaction was expected but not so obvious for the current championship leader.
The opposition with Hamilton at the end of the last end of the season came to a head during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
That which exists between their two manufacturers, Red Bull and Mercedes, continues to agitate the paddock.
And above all: Max Verstappen has a certain Kelly … Piquet, the daughter of the 69-year-old Brazilian triple world champion.
The F1 authorities, Lewis Hamilton himself, certain teams and several other drivers reacted very quickly and very strongly.
The British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC) has also announced that it has suspended Nelson Piquet's honorary membership with immediate effect, and plans to end it at an upcoming board meeting.
On the side of Red Bull, on the other hand, it is always radio silence.
The Austrian team did not wish to comment on the comments made by Nelson Piquet.
Ferrari in reply to the Mercedes statement.
Have been at Red Bull this morning (for its hypercar launch) but the team says it won't be issuing a statement on Piquet's comments #F1 https://t.co/yHyiFt2vD3
— Chris Medland (@ChrisMedlandF1) June 28, 2022
It nevertheless manifested itself in another form by terminating the contract of Jurï Vips, its test pilot and reservist, who had also made racist remarks during a video game session.
Last week, the ex-Red Bull protege made racist comments publicly during a video game streaming.
The Estonian issued an apology, which however was not enough to save his place in the Austrian fold.
He will nevertheless continue the season in the Formula 2 championship with his team, Hitech GP.