Broadcaster apologises after commentator's 'unacceptable' comments about star's mother
An F1 broadcaster has issued a public apology to rookie Gabriel Bortoleto after a commentator said his mum "looked so stupid" when she reacted to his crash in Sao Paulo.
Brazilian rookie Bortoleto vowed to learn from his mistakes and keep fighting after crashing heavily in the sprint and the main race in his first home grand prix.
It was a special occasion for the local hope with his mum, Andrea, and girlfriend, Isabella Bernardini, watching on in the Sauber garage.
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However, when cameras panned to show them after he crashed out of the feature race they appeared understandably worried.
But commentator Franz Tost, the former team principal of the Toro Rosso labelled Bortoleto's mum "stupid" for her emotional reaction.
Marshals remove the damaged car of Gabriel Bortoleto of Brazil and Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber from the circuit after a crash during the F1 Grand Prix of Brazil at Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace on November 09, 2025 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images) Getty
"He's in the learning phase. The mothers don't need to look so stupid. It's perfectly normal, it's a crash period," Tost said.
Austrian broadcaster ORF issued an apology over the "unacceptable" statement after backlash.
Bortoleto's mum was understandably anxious. F1 TV
"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.
"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, whose team will become Audi next year, crashed at the start of the final lap while attempting to pass Williams' Alex Albon for 10th place in the sprint, while going airborne in the main race.
"Obviously, I feel a little bit of pain here or there, but normal pain ... so I'm very lucky because I think it could have been much worse," he said.
