Sky Sports reporter apologises to F1 driver for comment made after Chinese Grand Prix
Sky Sports reporter Ted Kravitz issued an apology after an awkward comment live on broadcast for the Chinese Grand Prix.
McLaren continued their dominant start to the new season with a one-two finish, with Oscar Piastri taking a comprehensive victory at the Shanghai International Circuit, where Ferrari duo Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc made unwanted history after both were disqualified along with Pierre Gasly.
Despite suffering from a braking issue in the race, Lando Norris finished in the top two after his victory in the season-opener in Melbourne.
George Russell of Mercedes took the final podium position but was on the receiving end of a jab from Kravitz shortly after the race.
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The 27-year-old Brit pipped reigning world champion Max Verstappen to take third but could not get past Norris despite the McLaren driver losing "three to four seconds in the last couple of laps".
Norris was instructed to slow down late on because of the problem and listened to the advice, just about fending off Russell - who was hot on his tails.
With members of Mercedes present, Kravitz said: "George Russell, he can't even overtake Lando Norris, who hasn't got any brakes. What's wrong with George Russell?"
Kravitz made the comment in front of the engineers near the Mercedes paddock and though there were initial laughs, the journalist realised his mistake and quickly apologised.
"I know, I know, there were reasons why. Sorry, that was slightly awkward," Kravitz added.
Russell also issues apology for "disgusting" act
Russell also issued an apology on Sunday but in very different circumstances. After the race, Russell interrupted Norris giving an interview and put his finger on the side of his mouth in a bid to make him smile.
A surprise Norris quipped: “Don’t touch me!” - with Norris telling his friendly rival that he was "just trying to make you smile".
But then when he told Norris that he had just washed his hands after a trip to the toilet, the 25-year-old was a little grossed out and said: “Did you just go to the toilet? You better have washed your hands, that’s grim… Jesus! I need some disinfectant.”
A sarcastic response from Russell followed, who replied: “Sorry mate that was pretty disgusting, I do apologise.”
Norris then joked that he was "reporting" Russell to HR.
Next up on the F1 calendar is the Japanese Grand Prix, which takes place on Sunday 6 April at the Suzuka Circuit.
Topics: Sky Sports, Formula 1, George Russell, Mercedes
Josh Lawless