Sky suspend F1 pundits after sexist comments live on air
Two Sky Italia commentators have been suspended after making sexist comments during the channel’s coverage of the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday. Matto Bobbi and Davide Valsecchi made the remarks during live post-race coverage in Barcelona for Italian broadcaster Sky Sport. Referring to a woman in the background in the paddock, Bobbi, who was speaking from a separate studio, described her as an “upgrade package.” Valsecchi looked behind him and replied: “I know, but they told me I can’t test them. So I raise my hands.” Alongside Valsecchi was host Federica Masolin, who looked uncomfortable as the conversation progressed. She then interjected: “I ask for political asylum. Can’t we watch some interviews instead of listening to these two? Let’s hear from Carlos Sainz, please. I’m going to censor you two.” She then later read out a viewer’s comment on air, asking: “Will we see them [Bobbi and Valsecchi] safe and sound again at the next grand prix after these comments – that will be greatly appreciated by their wives?” Bobbi replied: “I think I’ll get a beating if I go home,” while Valsecchi said: “Well you know I’ve had eye surgery twice because I’ve been losing sight since I was a child, looking at those things.” Both have since apologised for their remarks but Sky Italia told The Guardian that Bobbi and Valsecchi have been “temporarily suspended” and will not work during the next race, the Canadian Grand Prix. Bobbi said: “I sincerely apologise to anyone who may have felt offended and wish to reiterate my total and profound respect for everyone and for women. “For 10 years, I have been commenting on F1 with friends from Sky, who have become like a family to me now and, in 10 years, I have never found myself in such an unpleasant situation. “I’ve always thought that you learn, understand and start again from your mistakes. What happened will lead me to try to improve further as a man and as a professional.” Valsecchi posted on Instagram: “I’m very sorry because, on Sunday, after the race, I exchanged some jokes that were in bad taste and used inappropriate and disrespectful words. “And I’m not like this. I would really like to apologise to those who felt offended, to women and to Sky.” Bobbi was a test driver for Minardi in the 2000s while Valsecchi won GP2 – now known as F2 – in 2012 but did not land a Formula 1 race seat. Read More F1 makes South African Grand Prix call for 2024 calendar F1 gives Canadian Grand Prix update after wildfires cause smoke to descend on Montreal F1 makes South African Grand Prix call for 2024 calendar F1 gives Canadian Grand Prix update after smoke descends on Montreal Lewis Hamilton: 18 months, 12 podiums and an elusive race victory
2023-06-09 22:05
15 Memorable Facts About Amy Winehouse
Amy Winehouse recorded just two albums during her lifetime, but her singular talent was enough to quickly earn her legendary status.
2023-09-14 00:40
Monaco Grand Prix offers best chance yet of end to Red Bull supremacy
The crown jewel. That’s the accompanying slogan alongside the Monaco Grand Prix: a Formula 1 staple-event identified with the sort-of glitz and glamour we saw last time out in Miami. And will see again in Las Vegas in November. F1’s obsession with the US has given the principality a direct rival or two stateside, to the extent that its long-term viability in the sport if far from a certainty, given the difficulty of overtaking at the track. But that’s for another day. For now, the famed twists and turns on the shores of the French Riviera still offer the most unique of challenges for the 20 drivers as they return to action for the first time in three weeks. And that distinctiveness should, in theory, give Red Bull their toughest task yet in 2023. Christian Horner’s team have won all five races so far this season; six if you include the sprint in Azerbaijan. At a canter, too. Yet for a car which reigns supreme on long-straights and in high-speed corners comes a track with few long-straights and a series of low-speed corners. As such, opportunity arises for Ferrari, Aston Martin and Mercedes. And judging by practice on Friday – ahead of the critical and often finalistic nature of Monaco qualifying on Saturday – Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez will face opposition stauncher than in the opening months of the season. The opening hour of first practice very much gave room for optimism: no Red Bull car was in the top-three, as Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz topped the timesheets. The Spaniard, team-mate to hometown hero Charles Leclerc, is quick around Monaco but rather ruined his day with a crash at the swimming pool chicane in the closing stages of second practice. “We’ve been in better in qualifying than in race-pace,” said Sainz. “A couple of strong years in Monaco. I want to be optimistic and feel as though we have the chance to win.” Leclerc, who has never finished on the podium at his home race, has been on pole the last two years – and will always back himself to put himself on top over one lap. He too looked rapid on Friday. But the dark horse, unquestionably, is a pole position for Fernando Alonso on Saturday. The Spaniard has been talking up his hopes of winning in Monaco, now more than 10 years since his last F1 victory in Barcelona. He was second-fastest in his pacey Aston Martin in FP1; fourth in FP2. A mixed day, meanwhile, for world championship leader Verstappen. His first hour of running saw the Dutchman dogged with balance issues; complaints aplenty over team radio. He was only sixth-fastest, but brought it back to top the leaderboard during the second practice qualifying simulations as the sun set. His team-mate and rival Sergio Perez, 14 points behind in the standings, could only manage seventh. And what about Mercedes? New sidepods – with the strange-looking ‘no-sidepod’ design finally ditched – on the car, alongside a new front suspension and floor. While the true impact won’t be properly felt until Spain next week, it seemed generally more of the same for the time being. Lewis Hamilton adapted better, third-quickest in first practice, while George Russell failed to finish in the top-10 in either session. Pole may be beyond the Silver Arrows. Excitement will be palpable, however, at Ferrari and Aston, eager to take the fight to Red Bull for a pivotal qualifying session come Saturday afternoon. Rain forecast on Sunday, too, could spice up what is quite often a bog-standard grand prix, with overtaking near impossible. Read More What time is F1 qualifying tomorrow at the Monaco Grand Prix? Lewis Hamilton has shut the door on Ferrari – will he come to regret it? Max Verstappen struggles as Carlos Sainz goes fastest in Monaco opening practice Lewis Hamilton speaks out on Vinicius Jr racist abuse: ‘It’s devastating’ Bernie Ecclestone would be surprised if Lewis Hamilton wanted to leave Mercedes
2023-05-27 00:51
Rafay Launches Cloud Automation Platform to Deliver Self-service Automation for Cloud Infrastructure
SUNNYVALE, Calif. & LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 28, 2023--
2023-11-28 22:01
EV maker Rivian shares have record drop after convertible bond offering launched
By Chibuike Oguh and Abhirup Roy NEW YORK Shares of Rivian Automotive Inc fell by nearly 23% on
2023-10-06 06:06
How 'Roots' made television history and changed American culture
"Roots": How the mini-series changed television and American culture
2023-07-23 20:55
Makkabi Berlin, founded by Holocaust survivors, to be 1st Jewish team in German Cup
When Makkabi Berlin takes the field this weekend, the soccer club founded by Holocaust survivors will become the first Jewish team to play in the German Cup
2023-08-11 17:09
Toddler among US hostages in Gaza - White House
The three-year-old hostage was raised in a Sunday call between President Biden and Qatar's Sheikh Tamim.
2023-11-13 18:40
Who is Diomi Cordero? Angus Cloud's former talent manager claims 'Euphoria' star was battling drug addiction
Diomi Cordero alleged that despite his attempts to guide Angus Cloud towards a healthier path, the actor continued to struggle with addiction
2023-08-01 19:27
Exclusive-Chinese cities tighten property firms' access to escrow funds-sources
By Clare Jim and Ziyi Tang HONG KONG/BEIJING Some Chinese city governments have made it harder for developers
2023-08-02 12:37
Are MrBeast and Talking Tom collaborating? Content creators set to make donations for hospital supporting underprivileged children
Talking Tom teams up with MrBeast for an exclusive outfit giveaway to players and joins hands in donating to Tebow CURE Hospital in the Philippines
2023-08-01 14:18
These Prime-Day-Only Headphones Deals Are Totally Worth It
Are you looking for an aesthetically pleasing pair of headphones that aren’t just pretty to look at, but are also good good on the audio front? The ones that hit on all our marks — from looks and comfort to sound quality and noise cancellation? It can be rare to find a pair that checks all the boxes without being pricey. But, for two days, you can nab the oh-so-worth-it luxury buy on super sale for Amazon’s Prime Day. Whether it’s your first time investing in some pro-level over-ear headphones or you’ve already got a collection going, shop top brands like Sony, Apple, JBL, and more for up to 44% off. Keep on scrolling to add your favorite from our recommendations to cart while the deals last (reminder, it’s a 48-hour-only event).
2023-07-12 05:13
You Might Like...
Apex Legends Hunted Battle Pass Rewards Revealed
Parents of a terminally ill baby lose UK legal battle to bring her home
Drake tells fans to not throw bras on stage at concert for sweet reason
Justin Bieber hopes dad Jeremy's offensive anti-LGBTQ post is 'forgiven' as he wants to 'move on' from drama
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door Remaster Release Date
North Korea's frantic space launch pace brings advances - and setbacks
Yext to Present at Upcoming Investor Conferences
12 Books That Were Banned For Ridiculous Reasons
