‘Oh well’: F1 icon Martin Brundle snubbed by rookie driver Franco Colapinto

Formula One icon Martin Brundle can add another snub to his glorious grid walk catalogue after he was ignored at the US Grand Prix.

Martin Brundle added to his catalogue of grid walk snubs when he was surprisingly brushed by an F1 driver at the United States Grand Prix.

The former driver and veteran broadcaster was weaving his way through the grid just moments before the race at the Circuit of the Americas on Monday morning (AEDT).

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Brundle got in a quick word with Oscar Piastri and was hoping to speak to Williams rookie Franco Colapinto, who suiting up for his fourth race since replacing Logan Sargeant mid-season.

Brundle said: “Hello, my name’s Martin Brundle, Sky, we haven’t met. Quick chat?”

Colapinto looked at Brundle, didn’t say a word and walked past him to the area where the drivers were standing for the national anthem.

“Oh well,” said Brundle. “No, I think is the answer to that.”

Brundle didn’t seem too phased by the snub and went on to chat to celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, joking: “You do more grids than I do.”

Watch Martin Brundle get snubbed in the video player above

Franco Colapinto gave Martin Brundle nothing. Photo: X.

One viewer wrote on X: “Poor from Colapinto there, had at least 30 seconds spare to just speak to Martin Brundle.”

A second said: “Disappointed to see Franco Colapinto completely ignore Martin Brundle on the grid. Not obliged to speak to him by any means but that was uncalled for.

Another said: “Colapinto ghosting Martin Brundle is blasphemy and you should be deleted from the grid immediately.”

Colapinto enjoyed another strong race, overtaking Fernando Alonso on his way to finishing 10th and securing another world championship point.

The 21-year-old from Argentina has seriously impressed in F1 so far, showing off his driving skills including a stunning overtake off the start at last month’s Singapore Grand Prix.

He once again endeared himself to F1 fans when expressing his frustration over Alpine’s Esteban Ocon changing tyres in order to finish with the fastest lap.

Speaking in Spanish, he told media: “The fastest lap was taken by the French (Ocon), why do they change tyres bro? we need to save the planet. Give it back to me.”

It denied Colapinto an extra point — Ocon finished 18th and the extra point for fastest lap only applies if a driver finishes in the top 10.

Ocon posted on social media after the race: “Our race was compromised on lap 1 after being hit from behind. Recovered some positions but not much was possible after the start.

“We still managed the fastest lap for the team at the end ~ sorry to Franco as he deserved it. We go again next week … Nos vemos pronto México!”

Colapinto wasn't happy he lost his fastest lap point. Photo: X.

Formula 1’s governing body, the International Motoring Federation (FIA), announced on Friday the fastest lap bonus point will not be awarded in 2025.

Charles Leclerc won the US Grand Prix to claim his third win of the season ahead of teammate Carlos Sainz in a Ferrari 1-2.

Max Verstappen was third after Lando Norris had a podium finish taken off him — he was penalised for overtaking Verstappen outside of track limits at Turn 12.

Cited for leaving the track and gaining an advantage, Norris was given team orders to continue to pull away from Verstappen rather than give the position back.

Verstappen, who also won the sprint race, extended his lead in the championship over Norris to 57 points with five races remaining this season.

Despite his impressive form, there’s no room for Colapinto at Williams for next season, with Sainz joining the team on a multi-year deal from 2025. Alex Albon is also under contract with Williams.

The F1 season continues this weekend at the Mexican Grand Prix.

Originally published as ‘Oh well’: F1 icon Martin Brundle snubbed by rookie driver Franco Colapinto