Another awkward exchange between Formula 1 driver turned commentator Martin Brundle and a celebrity has refuelled questions about the sport’s pre-race procedures.
Brundle, a former grand prix racer who now works for Sky Sports, is famed for his grid walks in which he speaks with drivers and famous individuals.
Usually, most people play ball and speak with Brundle, but on several occasions he has been snubbed for one reason or another.
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At this year’s British Grand Prix, model-turned-actor Cara Delevigne was approached for an interview but declined.
“Can we have a quick chat? Sky F1,” said Brundle.
“Good to see you on the grid.”
Delevigne shook her head – “no, no, I can’t hear anything, I’m sorry,” she replied.
Brundle threw a sarcastic barb in response.
“Well, the deal is everybody has to speak on the grid, but, you know, hey,” he said.
“Okay, all right, well, I’m sure it would have been extremely interesting.”
Brundle copped some flak on social media for the incident, with Delevigne eventually taking to Twitter to confirm she had been told by an F1 representative not to speak.
“I was told to say no so I did,” she wrote.
“Anyway, I had so much fun today and was so happy to be there no matter what anyone else may think x.”
Others were more supportive of Brundle.
“I honestly think we should have a “chart of rudeness” in F1,” said ex-Formula 1 driver Karun Chandok, who works with Brundle on Sky Sports F1.
“Next time, take the grid passes from people who don’t care and give it to some deserving kids who will treasure the experience…”
The Grand Tour test driver Abbie Eaton added, “The only person it is awkward and embarrassing for, is the guest that is ignorant to the legend wanting to talk to them!
“However Martin’s sarcasm is gold for us viewers.”
In 2021, Formula 1 issued a statement in which it confirmed – “Celebrities aren’t obliged to do interviews whilst on the grid, but security entourages are now no longer allowed to accompany them on there.”
Brundle has had multiple awkward incidents with the likes of Serena Williams – that led to the aforementioned statement – as well as Megan Thee Stallion, Brad Pitt, and Owen Wilson.
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