Helmut Marko has clarified that Jüri Vips has been dropped from Red Bull's young driver program. Christian Horner even stated that the driver would receive educational support from the team
Red Bull consultant and head of the team's young driver program Helmut Marko has clarified that the relationship between the team and driver Jüri Vips has indeed been terminated. The Estonian was involved in a controversy in June when he used racist terms and made homophobic statements in a Twitch live stream,
Red Bull announced Vips' dismissal as a test and reserve driver for the team. However, team boss Christian Horner stated that the team would support Jüri from "an educational and mental health perspective." In an interview with Austrian broadcaster ORF Tirol, Marko clarified the situation.
"I want to make this clear. Jüri Vips no longer receives any support from Red Bull. You need to be responsible for your actions, and as a result, our cooperation is over. Of course, words are no reason to destroy the career of a talented athlete, especially after he apologized. But these are global trends," said Marko.
Despite the racism, Vips was retained by the Hitech team in Formula 2. During the round at the Red Bull Ring in Austria over the weekend, Jüri drove with a white helmet without any logo or mention of the team that sponsored him until last month.
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