THE INAPPROPRIATE EXCHANGE BETWEEN VALSECCHI AND BOBBI FUELS THE DEBATE: SKY SUSPENDS THEM, THE WEB IS DIVIDED
An Italian news story that has made headlines around the world: Matteo Bobbi and Davide Valsecchi, well-known faces of Sky Sport F1, will not be present during the next round of the 2023 Formula 1 campaign, the Canadian Grand Prix. It is not due to personal or work-related reasons; the two have been suspended by the broadcaster because of an unfortunate incident during the Spanish Grand Prix, which was held last weekend at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona.
The exchange occurred when Matteo Bobbi made a remark inviting his colleague to turn around and observe a “nice package of updates.” The phrase was referring to the posterior of a girl in the paddock behind Davide Valsecchi. Following the suggestion, the former GP2 driver responded by saying that he knows “Unfortunately, they cannot be tested.”
This exchange of jokes did not sit well with many, especially Federica Masolin, who was hosting the program and immediately cut them off, asking to air interviews instead. Meanwhile, social media heated up: some considered it a simple joke, while others called for even more significant consequences. The public is also divided on the suspension. Many support Sky’s decision, but there are also those who cry out against an exaggerated search for maintaining political correctness. Therefore, it is essential to analyze the situation thoroughly before drawing conclusions.
WHO ARE MATTEO BOBBI AND DAVIDE VALSECCHI?
It is difficult not to know them, but their careers go beyond their weekly appearances on Sky F1 broadcasts. Both are former drivers, but from different categories. Matteo Bobbi, born in 1978, raced for two years in the FIA GT Championship, winning the title in his first attempt in 2003. That same year, he also had a taste of Formula 1 as a test driver and third driver for Minardi. He was given the opportunity to participate in a free practice session in Imola, during the San Marino Grand Prix. In addition to being part of the Sky Sport commentary team, he is a premium instructor for Toyota and Porsche in sports and safe driving.
Davide Valsecchi, on the other hand, is 36 years old and also boasts a good motorsport career. He joined the commentary team in 2013, as the reigning GP2 champion. Valsecchi is, in fact, the last Italian driver to have won the secondary series of the Formula 1 championship. He has also had a taste of the sport: first with HRT in the Abu Dhabi tests, then as a test driver for Lotus, and finally as a third driver for the team. He also took part in a practice session during the 2011 Malaysian Grand Prix.
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THE SAD PRECEDENTS
It cannot be said, therefore, that the two lack technical competence, but apparently, they have slipped up in other areas. Among the two, Davide Valsecchi has certainly made more blunders. Comments about the girls in the paddock are nothing new for him, but the recent unfortunate remarks have been more than one and of considerable importance.
The first one we remember dates back to less than a year ago and is an insult based on stereotypes. We’re talking about when, during the Belgian GP last August, the unfortunate Davide Valsecchi couldn’t find his pass. It is not known if the former driver lost it or if it was stolen from him, but his statement was as follows: “Someone must have snatched it. Then they talk about Naples, eh, but I think even here in Belgium they are crafty.”
Davide Valsecchi later apologized, stating that his comment was meant to dismantle the stereotype but that he expressed himself poorly.
Two other completely inappropriate statements involved the driver Lewis Hamilton. A few years ago, Davide Valsecchi made a joke about a statement by Lewis Hamilton that portrayed his situation negatively. In response, Davide Valsecchi said it was because “He has a different skin color, he sees from a different perspective.” While this comment is unfortunate, worse is the one from 2021 where he stated that Lewis Hamilton, with African origins, would easily gain weight because he is “of that race.”
DOUBLE STANDARDS?
Let’s compare the behaviors of Matteo Bobbi and Davide Valsecchi with those of their colleague, Federica Masolin. The Italian host does not hold back on jokes, especially towards Davide, who is by her side at all times during the race weekend. Unlike her colleague, she has never received negative comments for such remarks. Can we then talk about a situation of ‘double standards’?
The answer is very simple: no. In the unfortunate incident during the Spanish Grand Prix, respect was lacking, especially towards an unknown person. Davide Valsecchi and Federica Masolin, on the other hand, are colleagues and friends, as stated by the host herself several times. Her comments do not offend anyone’s morals, and the only person who might be affected is Davide Valsecchi himself. However, it is easily understandable that if such jokes continue to be made, it means that the former driver doesn’t mind them. In fact, the two colleagues often laugh about them together. Of course, if we wanted to fully adhere to political correctness, she should also be reprimanded.
To be honest, even the individuals directly involved in Davide Valsecchi and Matteo Bobbi’s comments were not offended by the remarks made by the Sky Sport commentators. “They made an innocent and genuine joke, a polite compliment. And I’m speaking for the other girl who was filmed: neither of us felt offended by this story,” says Christine Zonca, a rally driver who was one of the girls mentioned in the comment, to MOV. However, many women disagree with her and express discomfort if a similar incident were to happen to them.
LACK OF PROFESSIONALISM
As mentioned before, Matteo Bobbi and Davide Valsecchi undoubtedly possess great technical skills, but that doesn’t necessarily make someone professional. The comment made in Spain was inappropriate at any time, but even more so when made on national live television. If the comment had been made during a private conversation between the two, no one could have said anything, and no one would have felt disrespected. Whether the comment, the intentions, or anything else is right or wrong can be a matter of debate, but the context in which it was made is not. Professionalism was completely lacking, and perhaps that is the worst part of the entire situation.
But are they the only ones at Sky? Looking at the other regular commentators, namely Carlo Vanzini, Marc Gené, and Federica Masolin, we can find some flaws. Carlo Vanzini rarely lacks professionalism; a few grammatical errors in Italian definitely don’t have a significant impact, considering that it’s not his native language. Federica Masolin, on the other hand, is perhaps the most professional member of the team, which is evident in her responses to inappropriate comments from her colleagues. Carlo Vanzini, on the other hand, lacks a bit of professionalism from a certain point of view.
He never utters a word out of place, but he makes many mistakes during commentary. It is not uncommon for him to report information incorrectly, talk about something that happened to the wrong driver, or make mistakes when referring to an event from a past GP. This can also be considered a lack of professionalism, especially if there is no self-correction. A significant example can be found in last season’s Singapore GP when the penalty of Sergio Perez was analyzed during the commentary based on incorrect precedents, leading to heated discussions because people rarely delved deeper into the matter to find out the actual differences.
WILL IT ONLY BE A SUSPENSION…?
In conclusion, it is difficult to argue against the decision regarding the suspension. We are talking about sexism, but as we have analyzed, it is also about professionalism and the complete lack thereof. Both commentators have publicly apologized online, but their positions are undoubtedly at risk. A slip-up can happen, but when it becomes a habit, it becomes difficult to determine if it is a genuine mistake or a belief. And as Formula 1 is increasingly showing itself to be open-minded and fighting alongside women and its champion Lewis Hamilton, sexism and racism cannot be given a pass in the paddock.
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