Montreal is known for its comedy, but it was no laughing matter for ITV commentator Martin Brundle after he found himself at the centre of an equality row.
Speaking to F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone during his traditional live interviews prior to the Canadian Grand Prix, Brundle used the word 'pikey' in reference to track repairs that workers had carried out overnight.
Brundle, 49, said: "There are some pikeys there at turn 10 putting tarmac down - what do you think of that?"
The frantic nature of the build-up to the race left both unfazed by the remark, but the Equality and Human Rights Commission, the racial equality watchdog, condemned the phrasing.
A spokesman said: "This word has been used on television in the past and is highly derogatory. They have caused much offence in the past."
The remark came after tarmac began crumbling away from the track during weekend qualifying. Drivers were also quick to pass judgement on the surface saying their lap times were significantly slower.
'Pikey' is as a slang term to gypsies or travellers but has now been coined as a general term for anyone living with no fixed abode.
A spokesman for ITV said: "We apologise for any offence caused by this remark." He added that it was too early to say if there had been any complaints made against Brundle.
Last December, a Sussex gardener is believed to have made legal history when he was convicted of racially aggravated harassment for using the word.
Lee Coleman repeatedly used 'pikey' in a drunken outburst over a nightclub entrance fee. He was given a 12-month community order and told to do 200 hours of unpaid work.
And chef Marco Pierre-White has also been censured for using the expression 'pikey's picnic' on ITV reality show Hell's Kitchen.
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