Sky Sports F1 viewers will notice a familiar face missing from the broadcast this weekend, as veteran commentator Martin Brundle will not conduct his famous pre-race grid walk for the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Why is Martin Brundle absent from the Las Vegas GP?
The broadcaster, who has become synonymous with the grid walk segment, is not present in Las Vegas for the 2025 event. This is due to his contract with Sky Sports, which requires him to work at 16 of the 24 races in the Formula 1 season.
In his absence, 2009 F1 world champion Jenson Button is acting as the main co-commentator alongside David Croft. It remains unclear if Button will take on the grid walk duties himself, or if another Sky pundit such as Bernie Collins, Anthony Davidson, or Rachel Brookes will step into Brundle's shoes.
Brundle's most memorable grid walk moments
Martin Brundle has built a legendary reputation for his often awkward and always entertaining encounters on the grid. His most recent viral moment came just last month at the Singapore Grand Prix, where he mistook singer Lewis Capaldi for his brother in a hilarious mix-up.
Other memorable incidents include being shunned by Usher in Saudi Arabia earlier this year and a confrontation with Kylian Mbappé's bodyguard in Monaco last year, where Brundle firmly stated, "I'm in charge here."
In Brazil during November 2023, he had a particularly odd interview with American rapper Machine Gun Kelly, who fiddled with Brundle's poppy, asked him to play air guitar, and gave a thumbs down to the camera.
What to expect from the Las Vegas Grand Prix
With the race starting at 4am GMT on Sunday morning for UK viewers, Lando Norris will start on pole position. Title rivals Max Verstappen qualified in second, while Oscar Piastri will start fifth.
Brundle is scheduled to return to the Sky Sports F1 commentary box for the final two races of the season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, ensuring fans haven't seen the last of his unique grid walk style for 2025.
