Nelson Piquet jr. caused controversy on Sunday by celebrating the world title of Max Verstappen in an exuberant way on social media. He wore a t-shirt that openly made fun of Lewis Hamilton, something that didn't go down well with everyone.
Shortly after, while answering questions on Instagram, Piquet Jr. said he has nothing against Hamilton and explained that the t-shirt was meant to encourage Verstappen. The t-shirt used a Portuguese slogan to mock the number two in the championship, who is sometimes nicknamed the 'boss' in Brazil. Loosely translated the slogan on the shirt said 'boss = my balls'.
Piquet jr. was shouting at his TV
"I have nothing against Lewis, but this weekend I was in the same position as all of you, namely as a fan who is screaming from the bench", said the Portuguese who says he is a big fan of the driving style of the Dutchman. Through his relationship with Nelsinho's sister, Kelly Piquet, he has also got to know him personally.
There's also something else that makes him feel a bond with Verstappen. "My mother is Dutch, my sister has a relationship with him and he has become part of the family. So we have a lot in common," he said. The t-shirt was therefore nothing more than a joke between friends, argues the son of racing legend Nelson Piquet.