Picture Credit: Twitter
In a latest development, Red Bull has suspended F2 driver Juri Vips following an investigation after the Estonian uttered a racial slur during a live stream. The 21-year-old was earlier suspended after the video appeared on social media. The Red Bull stated that it is suspending Vips from all team duties with immediate effect, pending a full investigation into the incident.
Red Bull further added that it condemns abuse of any kind and has a zero-tolerance policy for racist language or behaviour within the organisation. However, the F2 driver apologised to everyone for his actions and asked for forgiveness as he claimed that the language he used does not portray his principles and values.
"I wish to unreservedly apologize for the offensive language used during a live gaming stream earlier today. I deeply regret my actions and this is not the example I wish to set," he wrote on social media. He further informed that he will surely cooperate with the investigation and will accept any kind of punishment.
Notably, Vips is a former Formula 4 champion and is currently in his third season in F2 with the Hitech Grand Prix team, sitting seventh in the standings. HiTech owner Oliver Oakes has reportedly condemned Vips' comment and said that he was shocked and appalled to hear about the incident. "The comments made by Jury are offensive and completely not reflective of Hitech's inclusive values," he quoted.
Vips also have been a test and reserve driver for Red Bull and Alpha Tauri in F1 since 2020 after joining the team's junior program in 2018. The youngster made his debut on an F1 race weekend in May 2022 when he filled Sergio Perez’s RB18 seat for first practice at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona.