Yuri Vips continues the season, F2 surprised by Hitech’s decision

Red Bull announced the termination of its contract with youth program participant Yuri Vips the day before over racist comments during an online game. In turn, the Hitech team, for which the Estonian driver competes in Formula 2, made a statement that Vips will be able to finish the season.

“I have made the decision that Urey will keep his place in F2 at Hitech until the end of the season,” said team principal Oliver Oakes. We have seriously discussed this decision. By letting him finish his season with Hitech, Yuuri gets a chance to show what kind of person he is with his actions.

I made it clear that I found the words used completely unacceptable, but we decided to give him a chance to redeem himself. Hitech GP is committed to inclusiveness in hiring employees and has never condoned racism or abusive behavior in any form. However, if we live in a society that denies everyone the right to make mistakes and the chance to redeem themselves, what can we say about such a society?

I don’t know why he said what he said. I don’t know why he was playing and streaming at this time of day when he could have done better things for his career! However, I am sure that Red Bull’s decision to terminate his contract is a devastating experience for Yuri, a well-deserved punishment. The reality is that there will not be a unanimous opinion on whether this punishment is sufficient – this is quite understandable.

I believe that excuses or words alone are not enough to undo the damage done. By allowing Yuri to race Hitech, we give him the chance to show the sincerity of his repentance with future actions. Now he must take this opportunity. He needs long-term changes in his actions, not current comments that indicate remorse.

While our decision may not please everyone, I believe we all deserve a second chance at life, not a third. Yuri’s self-esteem, reputation and career are now in his hands.

And the last. The events of the past few days have cast a shadow over the home round for the Hitech Formula 2 and Formula 3 teams, so Hitech will not comment further.”

In turn, Hitech’s decision came as a surprise to Formula 2 leadership. The series’ press office released a brief statement disagreeing with the team’s stance.

“Following the recent incident with Juri Vips, Formula 2 would like to confirm that the use of racist or discriminatory language in any form is unacceptable,” the youth series said in a statement. – We were surprised by today’s Hitech Grand Prix decision, and we don’t accept it.

We will monitor the situation closely with them to ensure such behavior is properly assessed.”