F1 icon Martin Brundle’s stinging response to viral snub

The Formula 1 legend given the cold shoulder by Megan Thee Stallion on live TV has taken a thinly-veiled swipe at the rap artist.

Formula 1 icon Martin Brundle has given US rap artist Megan Thee Stallion a less than subtle wake up call following their viral incident at the United States Grand Prix on Monday.

The Sky Sports F1 guru has told the 26-year-old to “learn some manners” after the pair brushed shoulders in an awkward moment that played out on live TV to an audience of millions around the world.

Brundle was snubbed not once but twice as he strolled along the grid during the pre-race preparations — with tennis legend Serena Williams also giving him the cold shoulder.

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The popular commentator was conducting his traditional grid walk segment where he walks along the starting grid speaking to the VIPs and celebrities given the honour of standing with the cars, officials and drivers in the final minutes before the start of the race at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.

She was attending the event to make a promotional appearance and was seen posing for photos before and after her moment with Brundle.

The 62-year-old has been snubbed plenty of times previously in Grands Prix all over the world — but the absolute disdain showed by her handlers has turned the incident into one of the biggest talking points to emerge from the race — which was won by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.

Brundle responded on Tuesday morning with a message posted on Twitter.

Megan Thee Stallion walks on the grid before the F1 Grand Prix of USA. Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images.

US rapper Megan Thee Stallion looks at the media in the pit lane before the Formula One United States Grand Prix. Photo by Darron Cummings / POOL / AFP.

“I have felt under pressure on the grid before but by people called Senna, Prost, Schumacher, Mansell, Piquet and so on,” he wrote of his interviews with the legends of motorsport.

“Bodyguards visiting the grid for the first time don’t bother me, everyone’s got a job to do, but they could maybe learn some manners and respect on our patch.”

Brundle’s attempt to speak to The Stallion was an asbsolute disaster as he struggled to find a way past a security guard pushing through the crowd ahead of her.

When he did get to speak to the social media sensation it got even more awkward when she shut down his light-hearted question before an apparent member of her staff barged through between the pair and gently pushed Brundle aside.

The man seen in the video has since become a popular topic on social media with some wondering what Jedward and Draco Malfoy were doing on Thee Stallion’s security detail.

“That’s a very big bloke in front of her,” Brundle said when he first spotted her on the grid.

“Megan, Martin Brundle from British television, how are you?

“Megan Thee Stallion, you’re a freestyle rapper.”

It started awkward.

Brundle saw Megan walking on the track and made a beeline for her. Picture: Kayo Sports

Then it got more awkward.

It was painfully awkward to watch. Picture: Kayo Sports

Then it was excruciating.

This entourage member seemed repulsed Brundle had the audacity to ask Megan Thee Stallion more than one question. Picture: Kayo Sports

Brundle posed an odd question to the musician: “You’re a freestyle rapper, have you got any rap for us today on Formula 1?”

Megan laughed before responding: “I have no rap today, I’m sorry.”

Keen to continue the conversation, Brundle asked: “Who are you supporting in the race?”

Before the rapper had a chance to answer the blonde handler walked through and refused to let Brundle entertain another question.

Brundle stuck up for himself and told the man: “I can do that, because I did.”

As Megan and her posse continued their walk along the track, Brundle mused: “OK, she seemed very happy to talk, didn’t she? That’s very nice of her and I appreciate that.”

F1 presenter Will Buxton — who also features as a commentator on Netflix’s hit Drive to Survive series — has also posted on Twitter to stick up for Brundle.

“The F1 grid walk is the highest live TV pressure I’ve ever experienced,” he wrote on Twitter.

“You’re briefed beforehand if celebs don’t want to be interviewed. With the others you can only try. I’ve been pied. We all have. Usually nicely and with an apology. The others, it only reflects badly on them.”

Unfortunately for Brundle, that wasn’t his only awkward celebrity encounter of the day.

The 62-year-old continued making his way down the track and found two sporting legends deep in conversation.

“Let’s wander down here, we’ve got (golfer) Rory McIlroy and (tennis star) Serena Williams,” Brundle said.

Brundle awkwardly watched the two stars engage in conversation. Picture: Kayo Sports

Serena didn't have time for any conversation with poor old Martin. Picture: Kayo Sports

“Venus (Williams) wasn’t that keen to talk to me five years ago, I don’t know if I’ll get a double fault or an ace.”

Brundle stood a metre away from the duo and waited awkwardly for the athletes to finish their chat.

But as soon as Williams began to move away, Brundle saw an opportunity and asked: “Serena, may I have a chat?

“Serena, are you good for a chat? Martin Brundle, British TV.”

Williams didn’t stop, shrugging at Brundle as if to say, “Sorry, but I’ve got somewhere else to be”.

Evaluating how the exchange went, Brundle admitted: “It’s a double fault, it’s a double fault.”

Verstappen won the race by just 1.3 seconds, holding Hamilton off in a thrilling finish, while Aussie Daniel Ricciardo finished fifth after being accused of a “dirty” act by Carlos Sainz with 13 laps remaining.

— with Alexander Conrad