Hitech GP to give Juri Vips chance to ‘redeem himself’
29th June 2022Hitech Grand Prix are set to allow Juri Vips to continue racing in Formula 2 after the young driver used offensive language in a gaming live stream.
Last week, Red Bull Racing suspended Vips and prompted an investigation into an incident where the Estonian used racist language on a gaming live stream.
Vips apologised for his actions on an Instagram post and stated he would ‘cooperate with the investigation fully.’
On Tuesday, after the investigation, Vips was sacked from his junior contract as Red Bull Racing’s test and reserve driver role.
This placed his Formula 2 season under the microscope as it seemed unclear if he would be able to continue racing in the junior Formula series.
However, on Wednesday, June 29, Hitech have released a statement which will give Vips a chance to ‘redeem himself.’
Hitech GP boss, Oliver Oakes, said:
“I have made the decision for Juri to keep his F2 seat with Hitech for the remainder of the season, a decision we have seriously debated. Allowing him, to complete his season with Hitech is an opportunity for him to demonstrate, through his actions, the type of person he is.
“I have made it clear that I think the language used was totally unacceptable, but I choose to give him the chance to redeem himself.
“Hitech GP employs an inclusive work force and has never condoned racism or offensive behaviour in any forms.
“That said, 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 dies it say about society?
“I don’t know why he said what he said. I don’t know why he was playing and streaming C.O.D. [Call of Duty] at that time of day. Certainly, there are things that would have been far more beneficial for his career.
“What I do know is that having his contract terminated by Red Bull as a 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.
“My own view is that no apologises or words alone are enough to mend the damage done. By allowing him to keep racing with Hitech, we are giving Juri the opportunity to demonstrate genuine and sincere remorse for his future actions.
“He must now grasp every opportunity to do so. He needs to make lasting changes and not just short-term virtue-signalling comments. While this may not satisfy everyone, I believe we all deserve a second chance in life, but never a third. Juri’s self-respect, his reputation and his career are now firmly in his hands.”
Following the statement, Formula 2 raised their disapproval of the decision, they said:
“Following the recent incident involving Juri Vips, F2 would like to reaffirm that the use of racist or discriminatory language cannot be tolerated in any environment.
“Hitech Grand Prix’s decision today is suprising and not one we would have taken.
“We will monitor the situation carefully with them to ensure that such behaviour is properly addressed.”
That’s it for the article: Hitech GP to give Juri Vips chance to ‘redeem himself.’ What do you think, should Hitech let go of Vips or allow him this second chance? Let us know in the comments!
Read more Formula Two here:
- Red Bull Racing sack Juri Vips after racist comment
- F2 Azerbaijan Sprint Race: reprimand, no further action, grid penalty
- F2 Azerbaijan Sprint Race: Frederik Vesti wins after late drama
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Hi, I’m Kamron. I created ApexMotorsports.co.uk in the dying embers of the 2021 Formula 1 world championship. It allowed me freedom to write whatever I wanted to write about which was all things motorsports, my passion.
I have put a lot of effort in over the years to keep this website in its best shape and I’ve loved seeing the brand grow consistently, month-on-month, year-on-year. My ambition is to keep watching this brand grow into a primary outlet of news for all things motorsports whilst fueling my desire to pursue a career in sports journalism, specialising in motorsports.
Kamron Kent
Hi, I'm Kamron. I created ApexMotorsports.co.uk in the dying embers of the 2021 Formula 1 world championship. It allowed me freedom to write whatever I wanted to write about which was all things motorsports, my passion. I have put a lot of effort in over the years to keep this website in its best shape and I've loved seeing the brand grow consistently, month-on-month, year-on-year. My ambition is to keep watching this brand grow into a primary outlet of news for all things motorsports whilst fueling my desire to pursue a career in sports journalism, specialising in motorsports.
