Martin Brundle Responds to Brian May’s Awkward F1 Grid Snub
Martin Brundle, Sky Sports commentator, has issued an apology to legendary Queen guitarist Brian May following an awkward interaction during the grid walk at the British Grand Prix on Sunday.
During the traditional grid walk, Brundle attempted to interview May, who was present at Silverstone as a guest of the Mercedes team. As he approached May, Brundle asked, “Brian, are you up for a chat with Sky?” May refused, prompting Brundle to respond, “You don’t need to know anything. Nice to see you on the grid. Thank you very much.” Addressing the viewers, Brundle added, “We don’t want to make life difficult for him. He said he doesn’t know enough about F1. I respect that. He doesn’t want to stand there and pretend he does. That’s absolutely fine.”
Brian May addressed the situation on his website, explaining his perspective. “I had a great day at Silverstone thanks to the kindness of the Mercedes team, and my grandson had some truly historic birthday moments,” noted May. “And by the way, apologies to Mr. Brundle. I have absolutely no intention of snubbing you. What you see is someone who is nervous about speaking on a subject they know little about and anxious to get to where they are supposed to be.”
Shortly after, Brundle took to social media to apologize. He wrote on his X account, “It is me who should be apologizing to Sir Brian May, not him to me, for the grid walk on Sunday at Silverstone. I didn’t address him as Sir Brian, and I shouldn’t have approached him twice when he wasn’t up for a chat on live TV. Nobody is ever obliged to talk to me on the grid, or anywhere else for that matter.”
The exchange highlights the unpredictable nature of live television and the challenges of interacting with celebrities at a high-profile event like the British Grand Prix. Both Brundle and May handled the situation with grace, emphasizing mutual respect.
Brundle, known for his direct and approachable style during grid walks, often interviews celebrities and key figures, bringing a human touch to the event. However, this interaction with May underscores the importance of sensitivity and respect for the preferences of guests.
May, on the other hand, made it clear that his refusal was not an intentional snub but a nervous reaction to speaking about a subject he does not master. His post highlighted his gratitude for the experience at Silverstone and his admiration for Brundle’s work.
This incident serves as a reminder that, even in a dynamic sport like Formula 1, understanding and respect for the people involved are essential. As Brundle continues to bring enthusiasm and insights to F1 fans, May’s response reinforces the importance of empathy and mutual consideration, whether on the race track or off.
