Sky Italy has reportedly suspended two of its commentators after sexist remarks were made live on air during the Spanish Grand Prix weekend.
Matteo Bobbi and Davide Valsecchi (the latter being the 2012 GP2 champion) made the comments after the race from Barcelona was held.
With Valsecchi positioned in the paddock, Bobbi, who was speaking from a studio, pointed to a woman behind Valsecchi and labelled her an “upgrade package”.
After glancing behind him, Valsecchi stated: “I already know them but they told me I can’t test them. So I raise my hands.”
Their female colleague Federica Masolin quickly moved to change the subject.
“Can we watch some interviews instead of these two? Let’s hear from Carlos Sainz, please. Let me censor you.”
Now, it is reported that the duo have been suspended for the Canadian Grand Prix next weekend.
Both Valsecchi and Bobbi took to social media after receiving backlash to apologise for their comments.
“I’m so sorry, because on Sunday in the post-race I fell into an exchange of bad-tasteful jokes and used unsuitable and disrespectful words. And I’m not.
“This is why I would like to apologise to those who felt offended, to women and to Sky. Really.”
Bobbi said: “After the race I was the protagonist of a joke that came out in a completely unhappy way, although it was not in my intentions I generated an unpleasant moment that made the sensitivity of some people suffer. I ended up in gravel.
“Being anything but a disrespectful person I sincerely apologise to those who felt offended by reiterating my total and deep respect for everyone and towards women, particularly starting with the beautiful woman next to me.
“For 10 years I have been commenting on F1 with the friends of Sky, a family now and in 10 years I had never found myself in such an unpleasant situation.
“I’ve always thought that from mistakes you understand, learn and start again. What happened will lead me to try to improve further as a man and as a professional.”
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