Photo: Race Pictures

Broadcaster apologises after ex-F1 boss called Bortoleto's mom 'stupid'

19:30, 15 Nov

byNorberto Mujica

Austrian F1 broadcaster ORF has issued an apology following former AlphaTauri boss Franz Tost’s insulting remarks aimed at F1 driver’s Gabriel Bortoleto’s family.

"He’s in the learning phase. The mums don’t need to look so stupid, it’s completely normal."

- Franz Tost.

Photo: RacePictures

His first Brazilian Grand Prix ever, did not go according to plan for Bortoleto suffering a 91G shunt during the Sprint race, that totalled his Sauber C45 and kept him from taking part in the qualifying session.

Nevertheless as the race got under way, and Bortoleto started making his way up the order, a lap 1 crash with Lance Stroll cut his hopes down and forced his retirement from the Grand Prix.

The cameras then pointed to the young Brazilian driver’s family to catch their reaction to his DNF. Upon looking at the images, Tost said: "He’s in the learning phase. The mums don’t need to look so stupid, it’s completely normal."

ORF apologises and vows to take measures

The former F1 team principal’s remarks prompted a wave of backlash to which ORF has now responded to.

"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."

Racing Bulls responds to unsportsmanlike behaviour

Racing Bulls issued a statement after a video surfaced showing a team member encouraging the crowd to boo Lando Norris during the Brazil GP podium ceremony.

The employee, wearing team colours, was seen giving thumbs-down gestures while filming themselves as fans booed. Norris faced boos for the second consecutive race. Read the team's full statements here.

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