Formula 2 driver and Red Bull junior Juri Vips has been suspended by the team after using a racial slur during a livestream when playing a video game.
Vips, who is seventh in the F2 championship, will not take part in any Red Bull activities with an investigation impending.
“Red Bull Racing has suspended junior driver Juri Vips from all team duties with immediate effect, pending a full investigation into the incident,” Red Bull said in a team statement.
“As an organisation we condemn abuse of any kind and have a zero-tolerance policy to racist language or behaviour within our organisation.”
Vips apologises for racial slur
Vips has apologised for using a racial slur, stating he will fully cooperate with the investigation.
“I wish to unreservedly apologize for the offensive language used during a live gaming stream earlier today,” Vips wrote on his Instagram.
“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 with to set. I will cooperate with the investigation fully.”
Vips has been a test and reserve driver for Red Bull and AlphaTauri since the end of 2020, making his Formula 1 weekend debut at the Spanish GP earlier this year in the opening practice session.
The 21-year-old is due to race for his F2 team Hitech at next weekend’s British GP at Silverstone.
