Image Credits - Motorsport
Juri Vips drove for Red Bull’s F1 team last month during FP1 at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona
Red Bull has suspended junior driver Juri Vips after an apparent incident of racist language on the gaming platform Twitch. The 21-year-old, who is racing for Hitech Grand Prix in Formula 2 this season, will be investigated by Red Bull after the Junior Team member allegedly used a racial slur. Vips joined the Red Bull setup back in 2018 and drove for their F1 team last month during FP1 at the Spanish Grand Prix.
In an official 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.”
Juri Vips has apologised for his actions. In an Instagram post, Vips wrote – “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.”
Fans on social media are divided on their opinions over the incident. While some feel that the decision is harsh, others are of the opinion that Red Bull’s decision is correct and necessary to set a strong precedent.
“I just don’t understand him, we are in 2022, these issues have been discussed over and over. He is young, he should understand the effects of statements thrown in the air on social media/live streams etc. Such a stupid thing to do, not to say just how wrong as well”, tweeted a fan who clearly feels that Vips is at fault and deserves the punishment.
Another fan feels that the decision to suspend him straight away is too harsh. “That’s just too harsh. He did a mistake and everyone knows that. He doesn’t need to get sacked immediately”, he wrote.
“Costly ‘slip of the tongue’, so to speak. Drivers should stay away from live streaming if they can’t control what they’re saying. One wrong word can ruin an entire career”, tweeted another fan.
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