Broadcaster Apologizes After Ex-F1 Boss's Insulting Comment Towards Bortoleto's Mom

Austrian broadcaster ORF has issued a formal apology after former AlphaTauri team principal Franz Tost made disparaging remarks about F1 driver Gabriel Bortoleto's mother during the Brazilian Grand Prix broadcast. Tost called her reaction to Bortoleto's crash "stupid," sparking widespread criticism.

Why it matters:

Franz Tost's comments highlight the ongoing scrutiny and pressure F1 personalities face, especially when their remarks are perceived as disrespectful or unprofessional. This incident also underscores the importance of media accountability and the need for broadcasters to maintain a high standard of commentary, particularly regarding drivers' families who are often in the spotlight during races.

The Details:

• The Incident: During the Brazilian Grand Prix, cameras showed Gabriel Bortoleto's family reacting to his DNF (Did Not Finish) after a Lap 1 crash with Lance Stroll, which followed a significant 91G shunt in the Sprint race that totaled his Sauber C45. Upon seeing the family, Tost remarked, "He's in the learning phase. The mums don't need to look so stupid, it's completely normal."
• ORF's Apology: Following a wave of backlash, ORF issued an apology, stating, "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."
• Bortoleto's Race: Despite starting to make his way up the order after his Sprint race crash, Bortoleto's hopes were cut short by the Lap 1 incident in the Grand Prix, forcing his retirement.

Between the lines:

This incident is not isolated, as another controversy surfaced involving Racing Bulls. A video showed a team member encouraging the crowd to boo Lando Norris during the Brazil GP podium ceremony, giving thumbs-down gestures while filming themselves. Racing Bulls subsequently issued a statement, condemning the unsportsmanlike behavior. These events collectively point to a broader issue of conduct and professionalism within the F1 paddock, both on and off camera. While teams and broadcasters are quick to apologize, the recurring nature of such incidents suggests a need for more robust preventative measures and clearer guidelines for all personnel involved in the sport's public representation.

What's next:

ORF's promise to "take appropriate precautions" implies a review of their broadcasting protocols and possibly stricter guidelines for co-commentators. The F1 community will be watching to see what specific measures are implemented to prevent similar incidents. For Racing Bulls, their statement against unsportsmanlike behavior indicates a commitment to addressing conduct issues within their team. These instances serve as a reminder that the passionate world of F1 extends beyond the track, with significant implications for how the sport is perceived by its global audience.