Red Bull have suspended their reserve driver and Formula 2 star Juri Vips over the use of racist language, pending a full investigation.
The Estonian used the language whilst playing an online game against fellow Red Bull driver Liam Lawson. The game was live-streamed online. Vips also used homophobic language in the same stream.
In a statement, Red Bull said: “Red Bull Racing has suspended junior driver Juri Vips from all team duties with immediate effect, pending a full investigation into the incident.
“As an organisation, we condemn abuse of any kind and have a zero-tolerance policy to racist language or behaviour within our organisation.”
In addition, Vips released his own statement shortly after the announcement made by Red Bull.
He wrote on Instagram: “I wish to unreservedly apologise for the offensive language used during a live gaming stream earlier today.
“This language is entirely unacceptable and does not portray the values and principles that I hold. I deeply regret my actions, and this is not the example I wish to set. I will cooperate with the investigation fully.”
Will Juri Vips continue to race in F2?
So far, there has been no confirmation of the future of Juri Vips in F2. He has been racing for the Hitech Grand Prix team so far this season.
His season has involved a number of retirements. The 21-year-old’s three non-finishes are the joint-second highest of any driver in the category.
He has recorded three podium finishes. Vips has a highest finishing position of second. In addition, the Estonian sits in seventh place in the championship.
Meanwhile, Hitech team founder and manager, Oliver Oakes, told Autosport: “The comments made by Juri are offensive and completely not reflective of Hitech’s inclusive values.
“Like everyone else, I found out about this an hour ago. The video and Red Bull’s suspension with an investigation to follow.”
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