‘Someone’s grabbing hold of me’: F1 icon’s mortifying snub from Brad Pitt

Formula 1 icon Martin Brundle was grabbed on the starting grid at the United States Grand Prix after a mortifying moment.

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

Formula 1 legend Martin Brundle has delivered another iconic grid walk at the United States Grand Prix, including a mortifying moment with Brad Pitt.

The former driver-turned Sky Sports guru has lost none of his nerve after making global headlines at the United States Grand Prix last year when he was brutally brushed by American rapper Megan Thee Stallion.

Watch Every Practice, Qualifying & Race of the 2022 FIA Formula One World Championship™ Live on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

The TV assassin was at his best again on Monday morning as he exchanged some light-hearted banter with Ed Sheeran and Green Day rocker Tre Cool before the race began with some opening lap carnage.

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

It is a famously awkward segment, but it took a frosty turn on Monday when Pitt pushed past him before a member of the Hollywood star’s entourage put a hand on Brundle’s shoulder.

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

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

Pitt successfully sidestepped the interview, giving answers to just one of the many questions asked by Brundle as he 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”.

Brundle followed up by saying: “Have you enjoyed this weekend? I’ve seen you so much this weekend?”.

Pitt responded: “Thankyou man”.

That’s when a hand was placed on the back of Brundle’s shoulder.

“Somebody was grabbing hold of my shoulder,” Brundle told the TV audience with a grin. “Obviously they’re known as pit stops if they don’t want you talking to Brad Pitt.”

Security-minders were supposed to have a limited presence on the grid after last year’s infamous clash between Brundle and Megan Thee Stallion.

Martin Brundle speaks to Ed Sheeran. Photo: Sky Sports.

Fortunately, Brundle’s other exchanges were more friendly and enjoyable for viewers at home, who were again left appreciating Brundle’s refusal to back down from the awkward moments.

Sheeran stopped briefly to tell Brundle he was excited to be attending a Grand Prix for the first time and said he would be supporting Red Bull — because he had just left the team’s garage.

His opening introduction when speaking with Tre Cool was also pure Brundle, asking the American: “Is this going to be a boulevard of broken dreams?”

It was a mixed reaction from fans and commentators on social media.

Brad Pitt just blew off Martin Brundle. What a massive jerk.

— Will Cleveland (@WillCleveland13) October 23, 2022

Ahhh I don't want to add Brad Pitt to the list of stars that disrespect Martin Brundle!!

— James Wharton (@jameswharton) October 23, 2022

I have a real dislike for celebrities who dismiss Martin Brundle in his grid walk. #USGP#F1

— Nathalie Sturgeon (@nthlstrgn) October 23, 2022

Asking Tre Cool “Is this going to be a boulevard of broken dreams?” is an all-time great Brundle opening question,

— Graydon Gordian (@MrGordian) October 23, 2022

In other news, the pit walks in the USA by Martin Brundle where almost no one knows who he is are a real highlight now.

At least he found the legend Emerson Fittipaldi who actually knew who Martin was :D

— Redeye (@PaulChaloner) October 23, 2022

Bloody love Martin Brundle - Dare I say it his grid walks are often more entertaining than the actual race #f1

— Iwan Thomas MBE (@Iwanrunner) October 23, 2022

The best thing about the F1 grid walk is even when Martin Brundle doesn't find anyone or talk about anything interesting, watching him just bumble around is a treat

— Ryan Rosenblatt (@RyanRosenblatt) October 23, 2022