Analysis
Hitech GP retains Juri Vips despite Red Bull F1 contract termination
Analysis of Juri Vips's continued F2 seat at Hitech GP after Red Bull terminated his F1 test and reserve driver contract.
Juri Vips will continue to race for Hitech Grand Prix in the 2026 Formula 2 season, despite Red Bull Racing terminating his contract as their Formula 1 test and reserve driver. The decision by Hitech team principal Oliver Oakes comes after Red Bull investigated Vips's use of a racist slur during a video game livestream.
Hitech's Justification for Retention
Oliver Oakes confirmed Hitech's decision, stating that allowing Vips to complete the season provides an "opportunity to redeem himself." Oakes acknowledged the language used was "totally unacceptable" but believes individuals deserve a second chance to learn from mistakes. He emphasized that Hitech GP employs an inclusive workforce and does not condone racism.
Oakes noted that Red Bull's termination of Vips's contract is a "crushing experience" and a "deservedly severe punishment." He hopes Vips will demonstrate "genuine and insincere remorse" through his actions on track. Oakes concluded that Vips's future and reputation are now in his own hands, and Hitech will not issue further comments on the matter, according to Crash.net.
Formula 2's Stance on the Matter
Formula 2 organizers issued a statement that disagreed with Hitech's decision to retain Vips. While not explicitly calling for his removal, the F2 statement indicates a divergence from Hitech's position regarding Vips's continued participation in the championship. The full extent of Formula 2's disagreement was not specified in the Crash.net report.
Championship Implications
This controversy surrounds Vips as the F2 season continues. Victorious at the Dutch Grand Prix, Lando Norris led Oscar Piastri by 11.536 seconds. In the Formula 2 standings, Isack Hadjar leads with 167 points, George Russell sits second with 147 points, and Jack Doohan is third with 145 points. Arthur Leclerc rounds out the top four with 108 points.
Status And Sources
This story is labelled Analysis, which means this is our reading of facts that are already established. The rules behind those labels are in the editorial policy, and the desk that published it is Miika Rantanen.
Written from the following reporting. Each link goes to the newsroom's own page, not to an aggregator:
- Crash.netcrash.net
