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Petronas CEO Apologizes for Joining Champagne Podium at Singapore Grand Prix

He acknowledged offending Muslim sensitivities despite not drinking alcohol.

Overview

  • Tengku Muhammad Taufik issued a statement on Oct. 7 taking responsibility for joining the champagne spray after George Russell’s win in Singapore.
  • He was on the rostrum as Mercedes’ invited representative to receive the constructors’ trophy at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.
  • Photos of the celebration drew online criticism in Malaysia, including comments from PAS figures and Bersatu’s Armada youth wing.
  • Formula 1 uses non-alcoholic substitutes at some races with alcohol restrictions, but the Singapore Grand Prix uses traditional champagne.
  • There have been no reports of formal disciplinary action or changes to the long-standing PetronasMercedes partnership, which dates to 2010 and has yielded 122 victories.