‘Shouldn’t be there’: Queen’s Sir Brian May slammed after snubbing Martin Brundle twice

F1 icon Martin Brundle’s grid walk has thrown up yet another brutal snub, this time from one of music’s biggest names.

When will celebrities learn — when you’re on the F1 grid, have a chat with Martin Brundle.

The F1 icon has had yet another grid walk disaster after he was snubbed twice by legendary Queen guitarist Sir Brian May.

Every qualifying session and race from the 2024 FIA Formula One World Championship™ LIVE in 4K. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial Today >

Brundle usually spends less than a minute as he traverses the grids around the world with the segment always balanced between live TV gold and car crash viewing.

His gird walk at the British Grand Prix was no different.

Brundle had pleasant chats with Jeremy Clarkson, 11-time world champion cyclist Sir Chris Hoy, England women’s goalkeeper Mary Earps, British althetics champion Sir Mo Farah, comedian Rowan Atkinson and English cricket great Stuart Broad, but when it came to May, the story was much different.

After spotting the Queen guitarist, Brundle made a beeline for him.

“Brian, Brian — I don’t think he’s talking — Brian,” Brundle said. “No, he’s not going to talk, is he? He’d rather sing, wouldn’t he? Or he’s blown his eardrums out with all the incredible music over the years.”

Brian May snubbed Brundle the first time. Photo: Fox Sports

Brundle further explained that We Will Rock You was on the teaser for the F1 movie.

After a few more chats, Brundle took a second dip at May.

“I don’t think anyone’s turned me down twice on the same grid walk, but I think it’s about to happen,” Brundle said.

“See if I can just get a … I don’t want to be rude or interrupt too much.

“He’s got Evan there telling him about the car and about this glorious-looking Mercedes down there. We’ll try and poke around.”

Brundle said: “Brian are you up for a chat with Sky? No?”

May appeared to say: “I don’t know enough about F1.”

Brundle said “I respect that” as he sought the next target.

And some fans were quick to go into bat for Brundle.

“Turning down an interview because you ‘don’t know enough about F1’ should mean you shouldn’t be there. There’s a million fans who would dream of being on the grid walk yet we get Brian May being a grumpy old man,” one fan wrote.

Another commented: “Brian May – rude, you could have just said hello to Martin Brundle and the viewers. Especially as you’re happy to take the glory of your music being played. Gone right down in my estimation. Egotistical and arrogant!”

A third posted: “I totally get not wanting to talk if you don’t know anything about F1, but then why are you on the grid and also waving the chequered flag. How about someone like Gordon Ramsay who is knowledgeable and always stops to talk to Brundle.”

A fourth quipped: “How dare Brian May ignore the God that is Martin Brundle. Should be against the law.”

Brundle is a pro at getting the chats. Photo: Fox Sports

May said he "doesn't know enough" about F1. Photo: Fox Sports

Another questioned: “Lmao is Brian May the only celeb Brundle’s ever allowed to say no to an interview??? Interesting.”

A sixth replied: “Brian May said to Martin Brundle that he knew nothing about F1. Why bother attending the British Grand Prix if you have no interest in motorsport?”

Another labelled it “‘the most painfully awkward thing I’ve seen’ in a good long while.”

May apologised on Instagram later, writing: “And by the way, apologies to a Mr Brundle – absolutely no intention of snubbing you. All you see is someone who is nervous of speaking about something of which he has little understanding – and anxious to get to where he is supposed to be! Peace !!! Bri”.

However, one commenter added: “You were not very polite to the legends Coulthard and Webber,” who are on the Channel 4 coverage of the F1.

Others defended May, calling him “one of this world’s good guys”, while another wrote he was “one of the very best human beings”.

Despite Brundle brushing off the snub, some fans had questions over the willingness to move on, particularly when the likes of Megan Thee Stallion and Cara Delevingne have been trolled after snubbing Brundle in the past.

Megan Thee Stallion’s snub even prompted a rule change where the FIA changed the rules, banning bodyguards from the grid.

Martin Brundle is no stranger to awkward situations. Photo by Jack Thomas/Getty Images for Fox Sports

However, that appeared to have been ignored earlier this year when Brundle tried to have a chat with Kylian Mbappe at Monaco.

Brundle replied to a man attempting to move him away from the football superstar, saying: “It’s all right mate, I’m in charge around here.”

However, Brundle was in his element at Silverstone, finding British singer, songwriter and producer Sam Ryder, who greeted the F1 icon with a hug and some warm words, proving it’s not that hard.

Ryder did similar last year when he again contrasted Delevingne’s snub with a wholesome interview.

Brundle’s grid walks often make headlines for all the wrong reasons.

While the incidents have been few and far between so far in 2024, the moments piled up throughout the 2023 season.

Fans were left in stitches at the US Grand Prix after he was forced to awkwardly wait his turn to speak to British boxer Anthony Joshua.

Ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, Aussie rookie Oscar Piastri was dealt a brutal burn when the Sky Sports presenter bailed on him mid-answer.

In Miami it was three-time F1 champ Jackie Stewart who stole the limelight after he was almost manhandled during the grid walk shenanigans.

Hollywood power couple Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones won fans over with their classy interview ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix.

Brundle also highlights lesser known names including speaking with 87-year-old motorsport pioneer Mary McGee in what fans called “the most wholesome interview ever”.

Lewis Hamilton went on to win the British Grand Prix, his first victory since 2021.

Originally published as ‘Shouldn’t be there’: Queen’s Sir Brian May slammed after snubbing Martin Brundle twice