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7th November 2023
01:09pm GMT
It’s safe to say that Formula 1 has been pretty predictable this season, with Max Verstappen dominating in a way the sport has never seen. Something that has remained unpredictable on race day though is Martin Brundle’s grid walk.
In the moments leading up to the start of a grand prix, the grid is awash with A-list celebrities from across sport and entertainment who have been invited by to attend the race.
At the same time, former F1 driver and Sky Sports commentator Brundle carries out his grid walk, looking to grab a word with drivers and team principles along with any celebs he bumps into – even if he has no idea who they are.
Recently, Brundle had one of his most awkward grid walk interactions when he spoke to Machine Gun Kelly at the Brazilian Grand Prix.
The chat involved Brundle wishing the singer "good luck with whatever you do", MGK performing the air guitar, Brundle refusing to perform air piano, before culminating in the American storming off.
Kelly has since responded to the interview after some criticised him for the way he acted.
This was by no means the first awkward interaction Brundle has had with a celebrity on a Grand Prix grid though (we're looking at you Cara Delevingne), and a 'Martin Brundle clause' has actually been introduced to the sport.
This rule states that celebs can't bring security with them onto the grid, and was implemented after an incident involving Brundle and Megan Thee Stallion at the 2021 US Grand Prix.
When the broadcaster tried to speak to the rapper and ask her if she could perform an impromptu rap for viewers, he was ushered away by her security.
A couple of weeks later, Brundle revealed new rules had been introduced regarding security on the grid.
He told Sky Sports F1: “There have been new rules introduced, that any celebrities on the grid must not have bodyguards any longer.
“It must be the ‘Brundle clause’, and they’re obliged to talk to me. I sort of like it if they ignore me, to be honest.”
As reported by the Independent, Brundle explained he likes to "call out" celebs that he thinks aren't real F1 fans and are just using the grid to get attention.
He said: "I like to call out some of the celebs that I think are just using the grid a little bit if I’m honest. They don’t really have a passion. I know there are millions of fans at home going ‘I should be on that grid. I’m a massive Formula 1 fan, not them’.”
Not that this applies to all celebrities though. During the same gridwalk on which he was blanked by Delevingne, Brundle also spoke to singer Sam Ryder.
The Eurovision star was praised by fans for his enthusiasm and obvious love for the sport as he spoke to Brundle.
More celebrities like this on the F1 grids please!
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