Max Verstappen apologises for 'Brazilian' comment

Red Bull's Max Verstappen has apologised to any Brazilians he may have offended any by making a joke during the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend.

Verstappen had been angry after Saturday'qualifying when he felt his best effort were 'ruined' when Felipe Massa dived in front of him on their preparation lap.

Following this, the Dutchman---when asked in a written media session if he planned to speak to Massa about the incident---had said, "Well, he's a Brazilian - so there's not much to discuss."

Massa, not impressed with Verstappen's words, subsequently spoke to the latter ahead of the Bahrain GP and warned him to be "careful" with his words.

"I told him earlier today, 'Be careful with your words because you will have a Brazilian Grand Prix at the end of year and you will have to race there. So be careful what you say'," Sport24 quoted Massa as saying.

"Without a doubt, it was not right to speak about Brazilians without even knowing what he was talking about," he added.

The Red Bull driver, however, has now taken to social media to issue an apology, saying he did not mean to offend the Brazilian people.

"I feel like I need to clarify my remarks that were made after this weekend's qualifying session. Being a passionate racer, I was very disappointed with my last stint and gave an emotional reaction that was taken out of context," Verstappen wrote on Instagram.

"By no means did I mean to insult the Brazilian people who I greatly respect and are always very nice to me when I visit the country."

"I would like to apologise to any Brazilians that feel offended and look forward to racing in your country again," he added.

At last year's Brazilian GP, Verstappen had a podium finish with third position.