A feud between two Formula 1 commentators has broken out online in the wake of the United States Grand Prix.
Fans have fallen in love with Sky Sports’ Martin Brundle doing his pre-race with grid walks where he strolls down the grid and thrusts the microphone into the face of any big name in his sight.
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The TV assassin was at his best again on Monday morning AEDT as he exchanged some lighthearted banter with Ed Sheeran and Green Day rocker Tre Cool.
It can often be seen as car crash TV, but it has quickly become a fan favourite. On Monday things took a frosty turn when Brad Pitt pushed past him before a member of the Hollywood star’s entourage put a hand on Brundle’s shoulder.
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.”
But it was after the race when the incident was thrust back into the spotlight with Formula 1 presenter Will Buxton taking issue with Brundle’s approach in a veiled swipe.
“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.”
F1 TV presenter Karun Chandhok took issue with celebrities being on the grid if they’re not going to answer questions from those doing grid walks … mainly Brundle.
“I think the point is – why aren’t they approachable? All our passes have the caveat that we can be recorded when we enter the paddock by Netflix for example. If you’re especially going to be allowed onto the grid, there should be a certain expectation to at least speak to media,” Chandhok wrote.
But it was Brundle who delivered the blunt response to Buxton’s take, telling the presenter he was telling lies.
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.”
Fans weren’t happy with many coming to the defence of the commentary great and backing up his assassin style interview approach on the grid.
Freelance F1 journalist Chris Medland weighed in by stating, in regards to a list of celebrities who have refused to be interviewed, that “not saying it doesn’t exist, but I’ve never seen or heard of one!”
He wasn’t alone with fellow F1 journalist Jennie Gow saying she “never had one”.
Whether the list exists or not, the snub from Pitt who is directing a Formula 1 related movie was not a good look.
