Austrian F1 broadcaster ORF has issued an apology following a comment made towards the family of Gabriel Bortoleto during the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Former Toro Rosso and AlphaTauri boss Franz Tost was serving as a commentator for the Sao Paulo race, in which home favourite Borotleto was eliminated on the opening lap following contact with the Aston Martin of Lance Stroll.
After Bortoleto had crashed at Turn 10, the world feed broadcast cut to images of Bortoleto's family, including his mother, in the Stake garage, looking upset at the rookie's early exit.
On ORF's live broadcast, Tost then said: "He’s in the learning phase. The mums don’t need to look so stupid, it’s completely normal."
Following backlash at this comment, ORF has now issued an apology.
"During the co-commentary of the Formula 1 Brazilian Grand Prix, in the hectic start phase, when Gabriel Bortoleto's mother and family were visible in the live broadcast after his crash, an unacceptable statement was unfortunately made, for which we sincerely apologise," it began.
"The expression and choice of words were completely inappropriate, and ORF Sport will take appropriate precautions to ensure that such an incident does not happen again."
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