Petronas CEO apologises after criticism about F1 podium celebration at Singapore Grand Prix
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Tengku Muhammad Taufik (left) drew criticism after he was seen on the podium with Formula One Team driver George Russell when champagne was sprayed.
PHOTOS: JOEZALUCHI/X, KEVIN LIM
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PETALING JAYA - Malaysian energy company Petronas’ president and group chief executive officer Tengku Muhammad Taufik has apologised for participating in the Formula One podium celebration where champagne was sprayed during the recent Singapore Grand Prix.
“I acknowledge that my spur-of-the-moment exuberance in celebrating that moment of victory may have been misplaced.
“While I can categorically state I did not consume any alcohol, as a Muslim, I should have been more aware of the sensitivities associated with taking part in such celebrations.
“I want to apologise for any unintended offence caused and take full responsibility for my actions,” he said in a statement on Oct 7.
Tengku Muhammad said he was honoured to receive the constructors’ championship trophy on behalf of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, calling the victory “a much-awaited achievement” in their long-standing partnership.
He also expressed gratitude for the continued public support of Petronas’ participation in Formula One, describing it as “the pinnacle of motorsports competition”.
The Petronas chief drew criticism after he was seen on the podium when champagne was sprayed in celebration after winners were presented with trophies.
The Formula One champagne shower tradition dates back to the 1950s. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
