Following investigations into racist insults, Red Bull has dismissed its Formula 1 junior driver Jüri Vips – future with Hitech Grand Prix still unclear
Red Bull Racing has terminated the contract of Formula One test and reserve driver Jüri Vips after he made a racist remark during a video game live stream last week
Red Bull had initially suspended Vips following the incident and launched a full investigation. Ahead of this weekend’s British Grand Prix, the team now announced on Twitter that Vips’ contract had been terminated, ending their working relationship after four years.
“Following an investigation into an online incident involving Yuri Vips, Oracle Red Bull Racing has terminated Yuri’s contract as a test and reserve driver. The team does not tolerate any form of racism,” the statement said.
Vips apologised
Vips joined Red Bull’s junior programme in 2018 and has been racing in Formula 2 since 2020 alongside his commitments as a test and reserve driver.The Estonian regularly worked in the simulator for Red Bull and made his Formula 1 debut at the Spanish Grand Prix this year.
Following the incident and his suspension, Vips issued a statement in which he “apologises unreservedly for the offensive language he used during a live gaming stream. This language is completely unacceptable and does not reflect the values and principles I espouse,” Vips stressed.
“I deeply regret my actions and this is not the example I want to set. I will cooperate fully with the investigation,” said the Formula 2 driver.
In Silverstone with Hitech?
Vips has raced with Hitech Grand Prix this year, with his next outing scheduled for this weekend at Silverstone. However, Hitech have not yet confirmed whether or not Vips will continue to race with the team.
The news of Vips’ departure from Red Bull comes on the same day that a number of Foirmel 1 teams have voiced their support for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who was racially insulted by Nelson Piquet.
Piquet’s comments led to condemnation from Formula One and the FIA, while Hamilton said it was “time to act” to combat racism.
“These archaic ways of thinking need to change and have no place in our sport,” he wrote on Twitter on Tuesday. “I have been surrounded by these attitudes all my life and have been hostile. I’ve had enough time to learn from it. It’s time to act. “