ESTONIAN F2 driver Juri Vips has been handed a suspension by Red Bull for the alleged use of racist language on Twitch.
The 21-year-old is believed to have used the N-word while playing Call of Duty online with team-mate Liam Lawson.
Juri Vips has been suspended by Red Bull for alleged racist remarks while playing Call of Duty
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What did Juri Vips say?
After being shot on Call of Duty, Juri Vips was alleged to have said: “Oh my God, f*** this n*****.”
In another incident on the same stream, Vips was handed a pink Red Bull hat which he refused to put on.
When asked why he wouldn’t wear it, he was heard saying: “Because it’s gay.”
Juri Vips has since apologised, saying: “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.”
What have Red Bull said?
A Red Bull statement read: “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 and behaviours within our organisation.”
Will Juri Vips continue racing?
While Vips has been suspended from the Red Bull junior team, the HiTech Grand Prix team he races for in F2 has yet to communicate a decision on whether he will be allowed to race at the upcoming British Grand Prix.
However, HiTech owner Oliver Oakes did say: “I was shocked and appalled to hear about this incident.
“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.”
