Vips keeps F2 drive with 'opportunity to redeem himself' – series says it's surprised

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Juri Vips will continue in F2 after being dropped by Red Bull for using a racial slur, as the championship expresses its surprise at decision

Juri Vips in Formula 2 press conference

Bobby Rahal has handed Juri Vips a second chance in IndyCar

Joe Portlock/F1 via Getty Images

Juri Vips is set to complete the F2 season with his Hitech Grand Prix team, the team confirming so the day after the junior driver was dropped by Red Bull – but the championship has expressed its unhappiness with the decision.

The Estonian was heard to use a racial slur when streaming a video game online – after an investigation by the F1 team, he was dropped as its reserve driver and also from the junior programme completely.

After speculation as to whether Vips would continue in F2 – or in motor sport at all – Hitech has now confirmed he will continue this season.

“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,” said team boss Oliver Oakes.

“Allowing him to complete his season 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.”

However, the F2 series has responded with surprise to Hitech’s decision, indicating its own opinions on the matter are very different.

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“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,” said a statement from the championship.

“Hitech Grand Prix’s decision today is surprising and not one we would have taken. We will monitor the situation carefully with them to ensure that such behaviour is properly addressed.”

Prior to the incident, Vips has already had an up and down season. Currently seventh in the championship, the Estonian spun out of the race after claiming pole in Imola, and also crashed in the Baku whilst leading.

His F2 team has now given him the chance to climb back up the order and rebuild his career.

“Hitech GP employs an inclusive work force and has never condoned racism or offensive behaviour in any forms,” Oakes’ statement continued.

“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 does it say about the 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.”