An Austrian TV channel apologized for Franz Tost.

      Commenting on the race at Interlagos live on Austrian broadcaster ORF, former Toro Rosso team principal Franz Tost made an inappropriate remark for which the channel had to apologize.

      When, after Gabriel Bortoleto’s crash at the start of the race, his family — distressed by the incident in the pits — was shown, Tost said: “Bortoleto is still learning. Mothers shouldn’t look so silly. It’s perfectly normal.”

      The phrase instantly spread across social media, and although many considered it ironic, the broadcaster issued an official apology.

      “During the joint commentary of the Brazilian Grand Prix, after the start of the race, when Gabriel Bortoleto’s mother and family were shown live after the crash, unfortunately an unacceptable remark was made, for which we want to offer our sincere apologies.

      The expression and choice of words were completely inappropriate; ORF Sport will take appropriate measures to ensure this does not happen again,” the statement said.