Seeing Martin Brundle being historically snubbed by Lewis Hamilton’s partner Kim Kardashian is nothing short of cringe.
But for longtime Formula 1 fans, this is far from Brundle’s first time being utterly rejected on the asphalt.
Martin Brundle can be seen storming through the grid walk at most F1races. Mark Sutton
But who exactly is Martin Brundle? And when did the infamous grid walk even become a thing?
Before he graced the screens as one of the voices of Sky Sports F1, Brundle was a driver, competing in 165 grands prix for eight teams including the likes of Tyrrell, Benetton, McLaren and Jordan.
He secured nine podium finishes and is widely considered one of the best drivers of his era (1984–1996) never to win a race.
The grid walk has taken on a life of its own since it debuted at the 1997 British Grand Prix.
It is one of Formula 1’s only unscripted and unfiltered access to the paddock’s elite, you’ll usually see hosts awkwardly hovering over drivers, team principals and celebrities to get their sound bites.
For about 15 minutes before lights out, Brundle wanders the track armed only with a microphone, a cameraman, and sheer audacity.
An ecosystem of unfettered access where world-class athletes, billionaires, team principals and A-list celebrities are crammed into a confined area, naturally it lends itself to chaos.
Brundle himself said in an interview that he “never watches” his iconic grid walk moments back.
“It’s nine minutes of unscripted, unrehearsed, car-crash television. I turn into this person I don’t recognise, butting in and interrupting. In 24 years, I don’t think I’ve ever watched one back,” Brundle said.
The segment is so notoriously wild that in 2021, Formula 1 was forced to issue a formal rule change about celebrities (and bodyguards) snubbing media for interviews.
“Celebrities aren’t obliged to do interviews whilst on the grid, but security entourages are now no longer allowed to accompany them on there.”
Despite the ‘Brundle Clause,’ the awkward encounters haven’t stopped.
Mbappe
Brundle is well known for facing off with security.
Kim Kardashian walks in the paddock the qualifying session for the Monaco F1 Grand Prix. AP Photo/Philippe Magoni
At the Monaco Grand Prix two years ago, Brundle was conducting his pre-race grid walk when he saw footballer Kylian Mbappé at the back of the grid.
As Brundle approached, one of Mbappé’s bodyguards tried to shoo him away, to which Brundle replied, “it’s all right mate, I’m in charge around here.”
He ended up getting a little laugh out of Mbappé, asking if he thought he might be faster than the F1 cars in Monaco. A short and brief encounter.
Cara Delevigne
Cara Delevingne was another model to snub Brundle on the grid at Silverstone, copping flack for outrightly denying an interview with the pundit.
“Can we have a quick chat? Sky F1,” said Brundle while running after her.
Delevigne shook her head, saying “no, no, I can’t hear anything, I’m sorry.”
Brundle immediately threw a barb at the model, saying “everybody has to speak on the grid.”
“Well, the deal is everybody has to speak on the grid, but, you know, hey,” he said.
Delevingne later posted on X to clear up the incident, saying she was told by an Alfa Romeo staffer that she did not need to speak on the grid.
Oscar Piastri
Even Australia’s own Oscar Piastri isn’t immune to the grid walk shenanigans.
During his rookie weekend at the Singapore Grand Prix, the young Aussie was flagged down by Brundle following a tough Saturday.
Oscar Piastri and Martin Brundle have had their fair share of awkward moments. Lars Baron
“Oscar bad luck in qualifying, you’ve got some work to do in the race,” Brundle asked.
“Yeah we’ll try our best and see if we can….” Piastri started to reply.
But before Piastri could finish his sentence, Brundle spotted Alpine’s Esteban Ocon walking past, completely abandoned the driver mid-sentence.
“Esteban, Esteban … happy birthday,” Brundle shouted.
As the commentator tried to get the Alpine driver’s attention, Piastri walked off, leaving Brundle empty handed.
Brad Pitt
During Brundle’s grid walk as part of the pre-race coverage of the US Grand Prix in Austin, he came across Brad Pitt – who was at the race preparing for a role in the F1 movie.
When Brundle attempted to speak to Pitt, he was basically pushed aside by minders.
In a last ditch effort, Brundle asked if he could say anything about the movie, to which Pitt replied, “No, it’s top secret”.
Journalist Will Buxton explained after the fact that a list of celebrities in attendance who are willing to be interviewed is sent to media ahead of a race meeting. Pitt was not on it.
Broadcast media are then verbally briefed before the grid formation commences.
In a snarky Twitter exchange with Buxton, Brundle indicated he did not receive the list nor did he know of its existence.
In a world of insane Formula 1 experiences, it’s fresh, exciting and hilarious to see celebrities, drivers and everyone in between all treated with the same amount of slightly awkward media hassling.
Long live the grid walk.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.nine.com.au ’
