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.
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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.
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.
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.
