Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle’s grid walks are known for their unpredictable and often chaotic moments, and his latest edition at the Las Vegas Grand Prix was no exception. The veteran broadcaster showcased his sharp wit and unflappable demeanor during what turned out to be a packed and eventful pre-race segment.
As the broadcast began, Brundle found himself navigating a grid bustling with 77 celebrities, motorsport figures, and drivers. Almost immediately, he was approached by Petra Ecclestone, daughter of former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone, seeking an interview. Brundle acknowledged her with a quick, “Cool. Hi, how are you doing? If you don’t mind, I’m going to go this way first… but thank you for the heads up,” before swiftly walking away.
Despite the star-studded grid, Brundle expressed frustration at the lack of drivers available, noting, “I don’t know if we’ll be able to find anyone today.” During his 10-minute segment, he bypassed some familiar faces, including Gordon Ramsay and Rory McIlroy, whom he had interviewed earlier in the week. However, he did manage to chat with notable figures such as legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer, Olympic gold medalist Noah Lyles, “Gladiator II” actor Paul Mescal, and Sylvester Stallone.
When offered the chance to speak with former Playboy Playmate, actor, and media personality Jenny McCarthy, Brundle politely declined, saying, “It’s okay, it’s okay,” and moved on. McCarthy, who is also a judge on The Masked Singer, has faced criticism in the past for her stance on vaccines, earning her the label “the face of the anti-vax movement,” a description she disputes.
F1 fans on social media found Brundle’s indifference amusing. One wrote, “I’m still laughing that the guy had nobody to chat with, someone says, ‘We have Jenny McCarthy,’ and he replies, ‘No thanks.’” Another commented, “Martin Brundle curving Jenny McCarthy’s handler on live TV was hilarious.”
Others praised Brundle for prioritizing higher-profile interviews, with one fan noting, “Martin Brundle just passed on interviewing Jenny McCarthy & Donnie Wahlberg to fish for better celebs on the grid—funny stuff.”
Brundle also took the opportunity to reconnect with Williams driver Franco Colapinto, who had crashed out during qualifying. The two had previously been involved in a minor misunderstanding earlier in the season but have since resolved the issue amicably.
Brundle’s grid walks are known for their candid and sometimes awkward encounters, and this one was no different. In a memorable moment from Monaco earlier this season, a security guard attempted to block Brundle from approaching football superstar Kylian Mbappé, prompting the commentator to assert, “It’s alright, mate, I’m in charge around here.” Moments like these continue to solidify Brundle’s status as a fan favorite on the F1 circuit.
