Brad Pitt sends text to Martin Brundle after snubbing F1 icon

Hollywood star Brad Pitt has sent an “unnecessary” note to a motorsport cult figure after a run-in at the United States Grand Prix.

Brad Pitt chased by Martin Brundle. Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images for Williams Racing.

Hollywood star Brad Pitt has contacted Martin Brundle to explain why he snubbed the Formula 1 icon on the grid at the United States Grand Prix.

Brundle on Friday morning (AEDT) confirmed Pitt had sent him a message to explain why he was not keen to talk ahead of the race — a gesture that the former Formula 1 driver and Sky Sports commentator appreciated.

In the minutes leading up to the race in Austin, Texas, Pitt pushed past Brundle before a member of the actor’s entourage put a hand on Brundle’s shoulder.

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Fans have fallen in love with Brundle and his pre-race grid walk segment where he strolls down the pit straight and thrusts the microphone into the face of any big name in his sight.

Brundle has had many awkward moments and failed interview attempts, but his moments with Pitt and American rapper Megan Thee Stallion last year prompted social media storms.

Brundle says he has no beef with Pitt.

“Got a note from Brad Pitt explaining what happened with our near miss on the Austin grid. Unnecessary, but nice of him,” Brundle posted on Twitter.

“Absolutely nobody is obliged to talk to me on the grid, but as I endeavour to make 10/12 minutes of live and unscripted sports TV I’m obliged to at least ask.”

Brundle’s grid walks have been his trademark contribution to television coverage of F1 racing since he began the feature at the 1997 British Grand Prix.

In an interview with GQ magazine, he explained: “It happened in 1997. My guys said ‘We’ve had an idea, why don’t you walk down the grid and just say what you see?’ And I was the only one on the grid.

Brad Pitt walks past Martin Brundle. Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images for Williams Racing.

US film producer Jerry Bruckheimer, US actor Brad Pitt and US film director Joseph Kosinski at the United States Grand Prix. Photo by Patrick T. FALLON / AFP.

“Obviously we go live and that is unscripted, unrehearsed car crash television. Whatever happens, happens. And I got to wing it. And I can’t throw it back to a studio or have the studio throw it to me.

“When I happen to find somebody, it flows. It’s got to go. And that puts a lovely sense of urgency into it.”

Pitt successfully sidestepped the interview on Monday morning as Brundle attempted to chase the 58-year-old towards the front of the grid.

“Brad, Martin Brundle, Sky F1, how are you doing? Can you tell us a little bit about this movie?”

Pitt responded: “No not yet. It’s top secret.”

While Pitt was reluctant and terse, he was not rude.

It was a different matter with Stallion last year.

When his path to Stallion was blocked off physically, with a bodyguard telling Brundle to back off because “you can’t do that”, he replied “I can — because I just did.”

Brundle’s retort went viral and led to celebrity bodyguards being banned from the grid.

The grid walk has caused further drama in Formula 1 with TV presenter Will Buxton taking issue with Brundle’s approach in a veiled swipe.

Martin Brundle tries to speak to Brad Pitt. Photo: Sky Sports.

Martin Brundle was touched on the shoulder speaking to Brad Pitt. Photo: Sky Sports.

“Another USGP. Another reminder that all grid accredited media are given a list at EVERY RACE of which media invitee / celebrity is and isn’t approachable for interview. Pitt hadn’t been on any of the days he was present,” Buxton wrote.

“For reference on F1TV our grid walk is always about the cars and the drivers. Who is where and why. If we grab an interview it is rarely with a “celeb” unless we know they are invested in the sport and available to chat. Because for us the celebs are the ones in the cars.”

Brundle responded by telling Buxton he was telling lies.

That’s simply untrue Will. Don’t make things up to suit your narrative. https://t.co/vJsGyc3y82

— Martin Brundle (@MBrundleF1) October 24, 2022

Buxton hit back at Brundle’s jab, but shifted his earlier remarks by stating those who don’t want to be interviewed are communicated verbally instead of a list being provided.

“It’s really not though. Here’s Austin’s. Those who don’t wish to be interviewed (it’s rare people ask not to be) are communicated to us verbally as well you know,” Buxton said in reply.

“Must apologise as I believed doc itself was sent to all tv as routine and it now appears it might not be.”

— with AFP