Juri Vips is a name that has found itself in the grips of controversy. The Estonian driver was heard using a racial slur on a Call of Duty live stream. This led to a major backlash from fans. Vips also saw his F1 contract with Red Bull get terminated and was also on the verge of losing his F2 seat with Hitech GP. However, the team gave the 21-year-old a second chance and stuck with him this season- a trend his Red Bull family seemed to follow.
In their initial statement, Red Bull made a powerful comment against racism. However, now, the team has come out supporting the driver. In a recent interview, Christian Horner said, “Everybody deserves a second chance if they can show that they have really learnt from their mistakes.”
He added, “We will be supporting him–even though he has had his agreement terminated–from a mental health and educational perspective. Hopefully, he’ll learn from it.” Horner also confirmed that Red Bull would no longer be funding Vips in the F2 series.
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However, this has left fans confused as to what his association with Red Bull currently is. It has also divided the fans with some assuming that this is a fair punishment, while others call for harsher action.
Fans up in arms about the Red Bull and Juri Vips situation
Juri Vips has seen his career nearly go up in flames in the last few days. However, more recently, he has been offered a lifeline or two. First, it was Hitech GP’s decision to retain him for this F2 season.
Now, it is Red Bull offering him a hand of support by deciding to stand by the driver. Although he will still lose his F1 positions as a test and reserve driver, he will remain a part of their junior driver program. However, fans have not taken to this news kindly.
Next news after a week will be he rejoined as reserve driver again.
— Drugotheohauger4champ (@gouthy2007) July 6, 2022
So, once again, no repercussions. No lesson to be learned because there are no consequences for reprehensible behavior.
— Ch+ (@imightbechad) July 6, 2022
So, Red Bull “don’t condone racism”, but it turns out that they’ve actually kept Juri Vips in their driver pool. Actions don’t seem to match words. Disgraceful. #F1 https://t.co/TuEPepcL28
— Rob Myers (@RobLMyers) July 6, 2022
Translation: "Enough time has now passed for people to give a shit, so we no longer care".
— Quantum Mechanic
(@misternodoby) July 6, 2022
The moment you knew F2 Driver Juri Vips wasn't kicked out by his own F2 Team (Hitech) because of the N-word that's when you knew everything was PR and they were not serious especially from the Red Bull Team, no matter how good a Driver is you cannot defend a Racist
— James Kurt
#LH103#44 #BlackLivesMatter (@JamesKurt_44) July 6, 2022
However, some fans were in support of the young Estonian. In their eyes, the repercussions of his actions were enough for him to learn from.
Definitely the right decision. Losing the test/reserve role is a massive consequence for his actions that doesn’t stop him from having a career in motorsport.
Others have done much worse and continued as if nothing had happened. Hopefully Juri works hard and redeems himself.
— Damo (@DamonMarrison) July 6, 2022
I honestly don't know why people are so angry about it yes he made a mistake and there's no excuses for it, but he also deserves a second chance to redeem himself
Others have done worse and have gotten second chances
— Pinky Ponky (@PinkuPonky) July 6, 2022
Will there be another twist to the tale? Nobody knows. However, it has been a rollercoaster few weeks for Vips. Does he deserve a second chance in your opinion?
The post Banished Driver Enjoys Red Bull Support Despite Racial Slurs, F1 Team Faces Wrath of Disappointed Fans appeared first on EssentiallySports.
Source: | This article originally belongs to Essentially Sports
