Red Bull Suspend Junior Driver Amid Investigation Into Alleged Racist Slur

Red Bull have suspended junior driver Juri Vips amid allegations he used a racist slur while streaming on the gaming platform Twitch.

The 21-year-old Estonian, who has raced for Hitech Grand Prix in Formula 2 this season, has been suspended while Red Bull carry out an investigation.

"Red Bull Racing has suspended junior driver Juri Vips from all team duties with immediate effect, pending a full investigation into the incident," Red Bull said in a statement.

"As an organisation we condemn abuse of any kind and have a zero-tolerance policy to racist language or behaviour within our organisation."

Vips also released a statement on Tuesday, apologising for his actions and promising to cooperate fully with Red Bull's investigation.

"I wish to unreservedly apologise for the offensive language used during a live gaming stream earlier today," Vips posted on his Instagram account.

"This language is entirely unacceptable and does not portray the values and principles that I hold.

"I deeply regret my actions and this is not the example I wish to set. I will cooperate with the investigation fully. Juri."

Vips joined Red Bull in 2018 and drove for their Formula 1 team last month during FP1 at the Spanish Grand Prix.

He has also represented the team at two end of season tests in Abu Dhabi.

Vips, who has spent the last three seasons in Formula 2, was set to race next for Hitech at the British Grand Prix on the first weekend of July.

Hitech are yet to release a statement regarding Red Bull's investigation.