Juri Vips suspended by Red Bull for racial slur
The team suspended the 21-year-old with "immediate effect" after a racist comment in a Twitch live stream on Tuesday.
Red Bull has suspended Juri Vips with immediate effect pending an investigation after he said a racial slur in a Twitch live stream.
"Red Bull Racing has suspended junior driver Juri Vips from all team duties with immediate effect, pending a full investigation into the incident," the team stated on Tuesday.
"As an organisation we condemn abuse of any kind and have a zero-tolerance policy to racist language or behaviour within our organisation."
The incident caused an uproar on social media, as many fans were disgusted by the 21-year-old's comments. Vips later apologized via Instagram Stories: “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,” he said.
“I deeply regret my actions and this is not the example I wish to set. I will cooperate with the investigation fully. Juri.”
The Estonian is currently 7th in Formula 2 with three podiums and a win for Hitech GP this year. Vips drove for Red Bull as recently as last month, replacing Sergio Pérez in a Friday practice session ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix.