Hitech F2 driver and Red Bull Racing reserve Jüri Vips has been suspended from the team after allegedly using a racial slur in a public Twitch stream Monday night. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.
“Red Bull Racing has suspended junior driver Jüri 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.”
Vips, a member of the Red Bull Junior Team since 2018, is contesting his second full season in the FIA Formula 2 Championship for Hitech Grand Prix. He is currently seventh in the standings with three podiums and two pole positions.
Alongside his F2 campaign, Vips has served as a test and reserve driver for Oracle Red Bull Racing in Formula 1, taking part in Free Practice 1 at the Spanish Grand Prix last month.
Vips quickly apologised for the language in a statement posted on Instagram Tuesday evening.
“I wish to unreservedly apologize 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.”
Hitech Grand Prix has not released a public statement on the matter.
Image Credit: Redbull Content Pool
