Sky Sports F1 viewers will notice a familiar face missing from the broadcast this weekend as veteran pundit Martin Brundle will not be conducting his legendary pre-race grid walk at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Why is Martin Brundle absent from the Las Vegas GP?
The broadcaster, who has become synonymous with his sometimes awkward and always entertaining grid walks, is not present in Las Vegas for the 2025 race. This absence is due to his contract with Sky, which requires him to work at 16 of the 24 races in the Formula 1 season. The Las Vegas weekend is one he is scheduled to miss.
Stepping into the co-commentator role alongside David Croft is 2009 F1 world champion Jenson Button. It remains unclear if Button will also take on the responsibility of leading the grid walk in Brundle's stead. Other Sky Sports pundits, including Bernie Collins, Anthony Davidson, and Rachel Brookes, are also potential candidates to fill the void.
A look back at Brundle's most memorable grid moments
Martin Brundle's grid walks are a staple of F1 coverage, famous for their unpredictable and often hilarious encounters with drivers and celebrities alike.
Just last month at the Singapore Grand Prix, Brundle provided a comedic moment when he mistook singer Lewis Capaldi for his brother. His attempts to secure interviews have not always been successful; he was famously shunned by Usher in Saudi Arabia earlier this year.
Other memorable incidents include a confrontation with Kylian Mbappé's bodyguard in Monaco, where Brundle firmly stated, "I'm in charge here." In Brazil in 2023, his interview with American rapper Machine Gun Kelly took several bizarre turns, including the rapper fiddling with Brundle's poppy and putting his thumb down to the camera.
Further highlights from his grid walk archives include a brief exchange with NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal in Las Vegas in 2023, where Shaq simply said, "Lewis Hamilton baby." Brundle has also navigated awkward moments with celebrities like DJ Khaled, Pharrell Williams in Miami, and a frosty exchange with model Cara Delevingne at Silverstone.
What's next for the race and Brundle?
On the track, the focus for the Saturday night race in Las Vegas—which starts at 4am GMT on Sunday morning for UK viewers—will be on Lando Norris, who secured pole position. Title rivals Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri will start in second and fifth place respectively.
As for Martin Brundle, fans will not have to wait long for his return. The 66-year-old broadcaster is scheduled to be back in the commentary box for the final two races of the season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
