Sky Sports' legendary commentator Martin Brundle faced one of his most challenging grid walks in recent memory during Sunday's Mexican Grand Prix, as a string of high-profile celebrities delivered awkward and sometimes brutal rejections live on television.
The seasoned F1 broadcaster, known for his no-nonsense interviewing style, found himself repeatedly blanked by Hollywood A-listers and influencers in cringe-worthy scenes that left viewers sympathising with the veteran reporter.
Hollywood's Cold Shoulder
Brundle's first major setback came when he approached Oscar-winning actor Kevin Costner, who was deep in conversation with Red Bull team principal Christian Horner. Despite Brundle's polite attempts to engage, Costner completely ignored the broadcaster, creating an painfully awkward moment for viewers worldwide.
"He's not talking to me," Brundle commented dryly after several failed attempts, demonstrating the professional composure that's made his grid walks must-watch television for decades.
Gaming Streamer Adds to the Rejection
The awkwardness continued as Brundle approached popular gaming streamer and Ferrari fan 'iShowSpeed', who initially seemed willing to engage before his security team intervened. The influencer was quickly ushered away, leaving Brundle with another rejection to add to his growing collection.
These incidents highlight the increasing challenges Brundle faces during his pre-race grid walks, where celebrities unfamiliar with F1 traditions often fail to understand the significance of the broadcast moment.
Viewer Backlash and Support
Social media erupted with support for Brundle following the repeated snubs, with fans praising his professionalism in handling the uncomfortable situations. Many viewers expressed frustration at celebrities who accept grid access without understanding their responsibility to engage with broadcasters.
The Mexican Grand Prix grid walk has become notorious for its celebrity-heavy atmosphere, often creating the most challenging environment for Brundle's trademark interviews.
Despite the setbacks, Brundle persevered through the grid, eventually securing interviews with F1 personalities who understood the importance of engaging with television coverage, providing some relief from the earlier awkward encounters.
