Martin Brundle’s grid interviews before the Grand Prix have become a beloved tradition for F1 fans. The Sky Sports reporter chases after celebrities around the track for a quick chat before the race begins. Over the years, Brundle has had memorable conversations with David Beckham, Ed Sheeran, Will Smith, and Kylie Minogue, to name a few. But not every encounter goes smoothly. Let's take a look back at some of the most awkward and dismissive moments Brundle has experienced.
Machine Gun Kelly
During the 2023 season, Brundle's interview with Machine Gun Kelly was quite uncomfortable to watch. The rapper initially gave uninteresting answers, but when Brundle asked about his own music career, MGK demanded that the presenter do an air guitar. Brundle refused, and Machine Gun Kelly stormed off, giving the cameras a thumbs down. Fans called it the "most awkward interview ever," and Brundle joked, "I don't think I'll be on his Christmas card list."
Cara Delevingne
Last year, Brundle approached model and actress Cara Delevingne, only to be met with a firm "no." Brundle quickly responded, reminding her that everyone is supposed to talk on the grid. Delevingne claimed she couldn't hear anything, and Brundle, having the last laugh, sarcastically said, "I'm sure it would have been extremely interesting."
Megan Thee Stallion
One of Brundle's most iconic moments on the grid came when he tried to speak to Megan Thee Stallion. He was swatted away by her heavy-handed bodyguards, but she eventually invited him in. Brundle shouted, "I think she is happy," before being rudely barged by another member of her entourage. After receiving criticism from Megan's team, Brundle jokingly said, "I can do that because I just did."
Pep Guardiola
When Brundle approached Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, he turned into a man of few words. Guardiola claimed he had already spoken to Sky Sports multiple times at the Abu Dhabi GP in 2022. Brundle then asked him a question about City, to which Guardiola replied, "No talking about football today." Brundle quickly switched gears and tried to chat about F1, but the manager simply walked off, leaving Brundle to be moved on by security.
Brad Pitt
Pep Guardiola is not the only one who has snubbed Brundle on the grid. Hollywood legend Brad Pitt also walked away from him before the US Grand Prix last year, despite Brundle's attempts to get answers about his upcoming film based on F1. Pitt later apologized to Brundle, explaining that he was unaware of the broadcaster's cult hero status in the sport.
Williams sisters
In 2016, Venus Williams failed to acknowledge Brundle as he tried to get a few words from her on the grid. F1 fans criticized her for the snub. Brundle had a similar experience with Serena Williams, who awkwardly gestured with a wave to indicate that she didn't want to chat, years after her sister's encounter. Brundle shrugged off the snub by saying, "It's a double fault."
China GP stewards
In a bizarre turn of events in 2007, Brundle was blocked by two stewards as he tried to locate Jenson Button on the grid. A heated argument broke out between Brundle and the staff, with Brundle insisting, "You can't do that." However, he was eventually ushered away and had to turn back.
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