Petronas CEO sorry for ‘misplaced’ Singapore GP podium moment

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Petronas CEO Tengku Muhammad Taufik has apologised after realising that his champagne-spraying enthusiasm during Mercedes’ Singapore Grand Prix podium celebrations may have been, in his own words, “misplaced”.

As Mercedes celebrated their first Singapore win since 2018 – and a particularly sweet one for Malaysia-based Petronas – Taufik joined race winner George Russell, Max Verstappen, and Lando Norris on the rostrum as the Brackley squad's representative.

The usual ritual followed: corks popped, spray flew, and amid the glistening mist, Taufik joined right in with the drivers.

But the 49-year-old executive, who has steered Petronas since 2020, later recognised that his impromptu role in the bubbly chaos may have raised eyebrows as a citizen of a predominantly Muslim country.

With a dash of humility and a nod to cultural sensitivities, Taufik promptly owned up to the misstep.

“I acknowledge that my spur-of-the-moment exuberance in celebrating that moment of victory may have been misplaced,” he said in a statement reported by The Straits Times.

A Toast to Accountability

In a refreshingly candid follow-up, Taufik clarified that he hadn’t actually consumed any alcohol – but recognised the symbolic implications of the act.

“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 explained.

“I want to apologise for any unintended offence caused and take full responsibility for my actions.”

While Formula 1 swaps champagne for non-alcoholic alternatives at races in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Abu Dhabi, no such restriction applies in Singapore.

Still, this small slip served as a gentle reminder that even in moments of unfiltered triumph, cultural awareness can momentarily slide off the podium steps.

For Mercedes and Petronas, Russell’s win marked their 122nd victory together, and if nothing else, Taufik’s reaction proved one thing: sometimes, in the joy of racing, even the most composed executives can get a little too caught up in the spray zone.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.