In a brief statement, Tengku Taufik described the victory as a much-awaited achievement in Petronas’s long-standing strategic partnership with Mercedes-AMG and felt honoured when he was invited to receive the Winning Constructor Trophy on the team’s behalf.

However, he acknowledged that his “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.”

Tengku Taufik’s apology follows backlash he received, including from PAS which took exception with the celebration.

He was invited to the podium after Mercedes-AMG driver George Russell won the race.

The controversy sparked by Tengku Taufik’s champagne shower celebration comes in the wake of another debacle involving the tourism ministry.

Earlier today, tourism, arts and culture minister Tiong King Sing was given a warning by the prime minister following the brouhaha triggered by the serving of alcohol at a dinner in conjunction with Tourism Malaysia’s Global Travel Meet.