KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 7): Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik, president and group chief executive officer of Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas), has apologised for his involvement in the post-race celebrations at the recent Singapore Grand Prix, where he joined the traditional champagne shower on the Formula One podium.

The Petronas chief acknowledged that his spontaneous display following the victory of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One team "may have been inappropriate".

"I wish to clarify that I did not consume any alcoholic beverage, however, as a Muslim, I accept that I should not have been involved in any form of such a celebration. Therefore, I would like to apologise for my actions that have unintentionally caused offence, and I take full responsibility for all my actions," he said in a brief statement on Tuesday.

“I also wish to express my sincere gratitude for the trust and unwavering support extended to the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team as we compete at the highest level of motorsport. The successes we celebrate today — and the excellence we aim for in the era of sustainable fuels — stand as a testament to Malaysia’s capabilities and the strength of its innovations,” he added.

Representing Petronas as team sponsor, Taufik had gone to receive the Constructors’ Trophy for the team after Mercedes-AMG Petronas driver George Russell’s win and was seen on the podium being sprayed by champagne.

Footage of Tengku Taufik’s participation in the champagne shower, which went viral, drew mixed reactions online. While some questioned the appropriateness of a senior Muslim executive joining a ritual associated with alcohol, many sided with Taufik, arguing the champagne shower is a long-standing, globally recognised tradition in Formula One to celebrate a victory.