Petronas CEO issues apology after Singapore GP champagne celebrations

Petronas president and group CEO Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik has issued an apology after joining in with the champagne celebrations on the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix podium.

Mercedes driver George Russell won the race at the Marina Bay Street Circuit after starting from pole position. As the race closest to a home grand prix for the Brackley outfit's title sponsor, Petronas, the Singapore round saw Taufik join the Briton on the podium to accept the constructors' trophy.

While Taufik did not consume any alcohol, he acknowledged that he may have caused offence to the Muslim community.

"The recent victory at the Singapore Grand Prix was a much-awaited achievement in our long-standing strategic partnership with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team in this season. I felt honoured when I was invited to receive the Winning Constructor Trophy on the team’s behalf," Taufik explained in a statement.

"However, I acknowledge that my spontaneous, 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. Accordingly, I want to apologise for any unintended offence caused and take full responsibility for my actions. 

"On behalf of PETRONAS, permit me to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude for the continued support of our participation in what is the pinnacle of motorsports competition. The successes we deliver now and in the upcoming era of sustainable fuels will indeed bear testimony to Malaysian innovation and capabilities."

George Russell, Mercedes

Photo by: Zak Mauger / LAT Images via Getty Images

Petronas has partnered with the Mercedes F1 team as the title and technical partner since 2010. The partnership is set to continue into the championship's new era of regulations, which will come into effect in 2026. Included in the new regulations will be the introduction of sustainable fuels, which Petronas will provide to Mercedes.

“We are already on track with developing a greenfield biorefinery and co-processing at our facilities to supply sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as a cleaner and more viable option for aircrafts in our effort to support the aviation industry needs,” said CEO of Petronas Downstream, Datuk Sazali in 2022 when Mercedes confirmed a contract extension with the company.

“This is in line with Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) which is expected to come into mandatory effect by 2027 as well as the FIA's net zero by 2030 commitment – both of which will affect the logistics operations of F1 teams.”