Tengku Muhammad Taufik Tengku Aziz, the president and group chief executive of Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas), joined the podium celebrations on Sunday as the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team – which the company sponsors – clinched a win in Singapore.
As George Russell hoisted the trophy following his victory ahead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and McLaren’s Lando Norris, Muhammad Taufik was seen spraying Moët champagne on the drivers and the crowd. Russell returned the favour, and the two later posed for photographs.
According to Malaysian news outlet Malay Mail, Muhammad Taufik on Tuesday said while he did not consume alcohol, his “exuberance may have been misplaced” and he should have been more aware of the “sensitivities associated with taking part in such celebrations” as a Muslim.
“Accordingly, I want to apologise for any unintended offence caused and take full responsibility for my actions.”
In Muslim-majority Malaysia, where alcohol consumption is prohibited for Muslims and public religious sensitivities run high, the images quickly stirred anger online.
