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Petronas CEO Apologises for ‘Misplaced Exuberance’ After Backlash over Champagne Shower at Singapore Grand Prix

Tengku Muhammad Taufik Aziz apologised for the champagne celebration after public backlash and acknowledged it was insensitive as a Muslim, despite not consuming alcohol.

  • On Oct 7, Tengku Muhammad Taufik Aziz, Petronas president and group chief executive officer, apologised for taking part in a champagne shower at the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix and took responsibility for any unintended offence.
  • Backlash erupted after a clip circulated showing Tengku Muhammad Taufik and Mercedes-AMG driver George Russell spraying champagne on the Singapore GP podium, prompting criticism from PAS.
  • Acknowledging the team victory, Tengku Muhammad said he did not consume alcohol and was honoured to receive the Winning Constructor Trophy for Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team.
  • Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim warned Tiong King Sing, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister, after alcohol was served at a gala dinner on Oct 1, and the tourism ministry pledged to tighten monitoring.
  • The podium ritual dates back decades and commentators including Fadhli Shaari, PAS information chief, argued even non-alcoholic bubbly risks negative perception while social media users remained divided.
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focusmalaysia.my broke the news in on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.
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