Formula 1: Juri Vips' Racist Live Stream Comments Lead to Red Bull Exit, But He's Still in F2

Juri Vips was dropped from Red Bull's driver program and as their Formula 1 test and reserve driver after he used a racial slur during an online game.

BBC News reported that Vips has kept his seat in Formula 2 despite being kicked out by Red Bull.

Vips was retained so he can show "genuine and sincere remorse," according to the Estonian's Hitech team.

F2 said that the decision was surprising and "not one would have taken."

Hitech boss Oliver Oakes said the team had "never condoned racism or offensive behavior in any forms." However, he added that "if we live in a society where no one can make a mistake, then genuinely apologize, have the chance for redemption and learn from it, what does it say about society?"

Oakes noted that having Vips' contract terminated was a "crushing experience" for the Estonian racing driver, adding that it was a "deservedly severe punishment."

Vips issued a statement regarding the matter and apologized for using the slur last week. He noted that his language had been "entirely unacceptable and does not portray the value and principles" that he holds.

Juri Vips Racial Slur Live Stream

Red Bull Racing said in a statement that after its investigation into an online incident involving Vips, the team has terminated his contract as its test and reserve driver, according to a CNN Sports report.

The Estonian racing driver earlier said that he deeply regrets his actions, and it was not the example he wished to set.

Vips also noted at the time that he will cooperate with the investigation fully.

Red Bull announced the sacking of Vips after widespread condemnation of Nelson Piquet for using a race-related derogatory term when referencing Lewis Hamilton during a Brazilian podcast, with Red Bull refusing to issue a statement on Piquet's comments, according to a Racer report.

Vips has also been removed from the Red Bull junior program.

Hitech Keeping Juri Vips

Formula 2 has released a statement saying that it is "surprised" by the decision made by Hitech to allow Vips to keep racing for them for the rest of the reason.

F2 said they would like to reaffirm that the use of racist or discriminatory language cannot be tolerated in any environment and added that they will monitor the situation carefully with them to ensure that such behavior is "properly addressed," according to a Planet F1 report.

Oakes said that he has made it clear that he thinks the language used was totally unacceptable but chose to give Vips the chance to redeem himself.

He added that he does not know why Vips said what he said or why he was streaming and playing Call of Duty at that time of the day.

Oakes said that "there are things which would have been far more beneficial" for Vips' career.

F2 forms as part of the support race line-up at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone this weekend.

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Written by: Mary Webber

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