Max Verstappen has backed Lewis Hamilton in the recent racial slur row involving Nelson Piquet saying that the word the Brazilian used is 'very offensive.'

Verstappen is the partner of the three-time world champion's daughter, and so naturally his position in this recent situation is one of interest.

He, of course, spoke out against racism, as every other driver has this weekend, and said that the word that Piquet used to describe Hamilton was 'very offensive.'

Speaking to the gathered press in the Red Bull motorhome here at Silverstone, Max said:

"I think everyone is against racism, it's very straight. There's nothing more you can make of that. The wording that was used, even though with different kind of cultures and what they said when they were little, was not correct and that'll be a lesson for the future, because it's very offensive."

Piquet, of course, has since released a statement seeking to apologise to Lewis and to also clarify that he is not a racist and, indeed, Max has said, having naturally spent time with his girlfriend's father, that whilst what Piquet did was wrong he should not be considered a racist:

“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, and I’m pretty sure that also the statement he released, I think you can see the word in two ways. But I think it’s still better not to use it.”

MONTE-CARLO, MONACO - MAY 29: Third placed Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing looks on in the press conference after the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 29, 2022 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

Verstappen explained his position very clearly and in a balanced manner. He obviously felt what Piquet did was massively wrong, and suggested that dialogue and education would be the best way forward to stop these outdated views, rather than shunning.