Juri Vips will retain his seat in Formula 2 despite being sacked as a Red Bull junior driver in the wake of his use of a racist slur in a video game live stream.
The 21-year-old was first suspended from the junior driver programme after footage emerged of him appearing to use the n-word while gaming with friends. After a short investigation, Red Bull later terminated his contract in a blow to his chances of a future in Formula 1.
But his F2 team, Hitech Grand Prix, has chosen to go another way by giving Vips a second chance following the "crushing experience" of losing his place in the Red Bull programme. "If we live in a society where no-one can make a mistake, then genuinely apologise, have the chance for redemption and learn from it, what does it say about society?" said Hitech chief Oliver Oakes.
In a statement, in which the team confirmed it would give Vips the "chance to redeem himself", Oakes added: "Having his contract terminated by Red Bull as result of his actions is a crushing experience for him, a deservedly severe punishment. The reality is there will not be unanimous agreement whether that punishment is sufficient, and that is totally understandable."
Vips took to social media to admit his use of racist language and to apologise. "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," wrote the Estonian.
Meanwhile, F2 bosses have released a statement of their own, in which they questioned Hitech's decision to allow Vips to continue to race for the team. Hitech Grand Prix's decision today is surprising and not one we would have taken," the statement said. "We will monitor the situation carefully with them to ensure that such behaviour is properly addressed."
Responding to that statement, Mercedes racer Dani Juncadella leapt to Vips' defence by claiming he deserves a second chance having already "paid for his terrible mistake". He said: "[F2] would have rather fired him, beaten him, buried him to the ground... honestly this is getting to the point where I feel we, as fellow racing drivers, should voice our concern."
