Following Juri Vips’ suspension by Red Bull on Tuesday, the Hitech Formula 2 team has released a statement regarding the Estonian’s internet conduct.
Vips’ Formula 2 squad, Hitech has stepped forward to denounce the behaviour of their driver after the Red Bull junior was caught on camera using a racial slur while playing an online game,
When Vips said the slur, the 21-year-old was playing a game online with fellow F2 racer Liam Lawson as the two were live-streaming their session. Following the incident on Monday night, the video instantly went viral on social media, and Red Bull immediately released a statement to announce his suspension.
Since 2018, Vips has participated in Red Bull Junior Team, Red Bull’s growth programme. As a participant in FP1 at the Spanish Grand Prix last month, he recently made his Formula 1 weekend debut.
Vips competes in F2 with Hitech Grand Prix and is currently fifth in the Drivers’ Championship. On Tuesday night, the problem was handled by team owner Oliver Oakes.
“I was shocked and appalled to hear about this incident,” Oakes told FormulaNerds. “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 Redbull’s suspension with an investigation to follow.”
The near future of Vips is now unknown; in front of the upcoming F2 round at Silverstone next week, PlanetF1 has contacted Hitech for comment and clarity.
On Tuesday night, the Estonian apologised on social media, claiming that his behaviour did not embody the ideals and ideas that he embraces.
“I wish to unreservedly apologise for the offensive language used during a live gaming stream earlier today,” the statement read. “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. Juri.”
