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The CEO of Mercedes’ title sponsor Petronas has issued an apology.
The president and CEO of Mercedes’ title sponsor Petronas issued an apology for his participation in the champagne celebration on the podium of the Singapore Grand Prix. Tengku Muhammed Taufik represented the team on the podium to collect the winning constructors’ trophy after George Russell’s victory, as Singapore is close to Malaysia, where Petronas is headquartered. Taufik admitted that he “should have been more aware of the sensitivities” and apologized for joining in the champagne spraying. While clarifying that he did not consume any alcohol due to being a Muslim, Taufik took full responsibility for his actions and expressed regret for any unintended offense caused. Singapore has a 15.6% Muslim population, and Islam is the third-largest religion in the country after Buddhism and Christianity, according to the 2020 census. Formula 1 uses champagne in the Singapore Grand Prix, but races in the Middle East, like Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi, replace it with rosewater due to alcohol restrictions in those regions.
