Red Bull has clarified that Juri Vips has lost its role as a reserve and test driver with its Formula 1 team but remains part of the driving program despite use a racial slur on a live stream last month.
Vips’ contract for those roles was terminated on June 28 following a week-long investigation into the case for which he apologized. New Zealander Liam Lawson has taken on both positions.
Despite the controversy, Vips was retained by the Hitech Formula 2 team, who felt the loss of Red Bull’s support was enough of a punishment.
However, Red Bull has confirmed that it is still supporting Vips as part of its driver program, which aims to push junior drivers up the F1 ladder.
In a statement, Red Bull said: “Juri’s contract as test driver and reserve driver was canceled by Oracle Red Bull Racing due to comments he made. He is kept by Red Bull. back as part of their Junior Driver program. We are supporting him as he transitions away from his role with Oracle Red Bull Racing.”
