Jüri Vips can continue racing in Formula 2 for the rest of this year. The Estonian, who recently spoke out racist while playing a computer game, is getting a second chance from his team Hitech Grand Prix. Formula 2 regrets Hitech’s decision to keep VIPs.
On Tuesday, the 21-year-old Vips’ motorsport career appeared to be over after Red Bull Racing canceled the driver’s contract. The current number seven in the Formula 2 championship was a test and reserve driver at the Austrian Formula 1 racing stable.
A day later, Vips does receive support from his Formula 2 team Hitech GP. “I have decided that Jüri can keep his seat for the rest of the season,” said team principal Oliver Oakes in a statement declaration†
“It’s a choice we’ve discussed for a long time. This gives him the opportunity to show what kind of person he really is. I’ve made it clear before that I find his use of language unacceptable, but I also think he’s another deserves a chance to prove himself.”
Footage circulating on social media last week showed how VIPs were playing the popular game Call of Duty: Warzone the racist word”nigger” let slip. The stream then heard loud laughter. Red Bull immediately suspended Vips, who apologized the same day.
Jüri Vips came into action for Red Bull Racing earlier this year during free practice for the Spanish Grand Prix.
Jüri Vips came into action for Red Bull Racing earlier this year during free practice for the Spanish Grand Prix. Photo: Getty Images
‘Everyone deserves a second chance, but never a third’
Oakes emphasizes in his statement that Hitech GP wants to offer an inclusive work environment, in which everyone can feel safe. “That said, if we live in a society where no one can make a mistake without being given a chance to correct it and learn from it, what kind of society do we live in?”
“I don’t know why he said what he said. I don’t know why he at all call of Duty was playing and also streaming live. What I do know is that having his Red Bull contract annulled has been a devastating experience for him, but at the same time it is a justifiable punishment.”
Oakes understands if people think it is unjustified that VIPs are given a second chance at Hitech. “Let me be clear: I believe that everyone should be able to get a second chance, but never a third. His self-esteem, reputation and the rest of his career are now in Jüri’s own hands. He has to prove himself.”
Formula 2 rejects Hitech decision
Shortly after Hitech’s message, the Formula 2 organization also responded. The main entry-level class for Formula 1 regrets Hitech’s decision to keep VIPs.
“After the Jüri Vips incident, Formula 2 would like to emphasize once again that the use of racist or discriminatory language, in any environment, should never be tolerated,” said Formula 2.
“The decision Hitech made today is surprising and would not have been the decision we would have made. We will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure that similar behavior is properly addressed in the future.”
VIPs will be in action this weekend as support act for Formula 1 at the Grand Prix of Great Britain. There is a Formula 2 race at the Silverstone circuit on both Saturday and Sunday.