Petronas CEO apologises for champagne shower at F1, says he did not consume any alcohol

Petronas’ president and group CEO Tengku Muhammad Taufik has apologised for joining a champagne-spraying celebration following Mercedes-AMG Petronas’ victory at the recent Formula One (F1) Singapore Grand Prix, reported the New Straits Times.

He said that his exuberant reaction “may have been misplaced”.

“I acknowledge that my spontaneous, spur-of-the-moment exuberance in celebrating that moment of victory may have been misplaced.”

Official statement

In an official statement issued by Petronas, Tengku Muhammad said his actions were spontaneous and unintentional, but that he took full responsibility for the incident.

“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.”

He also added: “Accordingly, I want to apologise for any unintended offence caused and take full responsibility for my actions.”

The controversy

The incident took place on Oct. 5, when Mercedes-AMG Petronas driver George Russell clinched victory at the Singapore Grand Prix.

As the team’s title sponsor, Tengku Muhammad represented Petronas in receiving the Winning Constructor Trophy and joined the traditional F1 champagne spray alongside the drivers.

The scene quickly went viral on social media, drawing mixed reactions.

Some users questioned the appropriateness of a senior Muslim executive participating in a celebration associated with alcohol.

Others criticised him for taking up a spot on the podium intended for racers.

Still others defended the Petronas chief, noting that he had not consumed any alcohol and was simply following a long-standing F1 podium tradition.

Commitment to motorsports

Amid the controversy, Tengku Muhammad highlighted the importance of the win and reaffirmed Petronas’ commitment to motorsports.

He said he was honoured to receive the Winning Constructor Trophy on behalf of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, calling the victory “a much-awaited achievement” in their partnership.

He expressed gratitude as well for the public’s continued support for Petronas’ involvement in F1, which he described as “the pinnacle of motorsports competition.”

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Top images via LAT Images, beINSPORTSAsia/Youtube