Martin Brundle’s Grid Walk: A Legendary F1 Tradition on the Brink of Extinction?

Martin Brundle’s grid walk is a staple of Formula 1 broadcasting—an unpredictable, chaotic, and sometimes downright awkward segment that has provided some of the most hilarious and cringeworthy moments in sports television. But, according to Brundle himself, this beloved segment might be hanging by a thread. Why? Because in his own words, he’s “one sentence away from the end” of his Sky F1 career.

The Thrill and Terror of the Grid Walk

For over two decades, Brundle has been striding across F1 grids, microphone in hand, engaging in impromptu interviews with drivers, celebrities, and team personnel. From Formula 1 legends to Hollywood A-listers who clearly have no clue what’s happening, Brundle has seen it all.

Yet, while fans love the raw, unscripted nature of his grid walks, the man himself finds it “terrifying.” In a candid interview with The Sun, Brundle confessed, “I’m terrified of the whole thing, because it’s live and it’s just pure car crash television.” And let’s be honest—that’s exactly why we tune in.

The unpredictability is what makes Brundle’s grid walks legendary. Take the infamous Megan Thee Stallion moment in 2021, when her security guard tried (and failed) to stop Brundle from asking her about F1. Or the time Machine Gun Kelly acted like he was in an avant-garde performance piece instead of a casual pre-race chat. These moments, awkward as they may be, have become iconic in their own right.

But beyond the laughs, the grid walk is a uniquely valuable insight into the pre-race atmosphere. Brundle, with his vast F1 experience, can break down the technical and strategic nuances in real-time while simultaneously dealing with security guards blocking his path and celebrities pretending not to hear him. It’s part circus, part sports journalism, and part comedy show, all rolled into one segment.

From Drivers to Celebrities: A Frustrating Shift

Brundle admits that the grid has changed dramatically since his first grid walk in 1997. “It was so easy back in those days,” he reminisced on the Sky F1 Podcast. “Drivers would stop by and have a good old chat. I remember talking once to Michael Schumacher and Gerhard Berger at the same time.”

Fast forward to today, and things couldn’t be more different. The F1 grid is now packed with what seems like “2000 people,” many of whom are celebrities with little interest in motorsport. “I am really disappointed if I don’t get to see some drivers, which is getting near impossible,” Brundle lamented. With drivers disappearing back to their garages for pre-race rituals and debriefs, Brundle is left to fend for himself among a sea of VIP guests who, let’s be honest, mostly just want to be seen.

The reality is, Brundle isn’t thrilled about this shift. While F1’s soaring global popularity means more celebrity presence, it also means fewer meaningful driver interactions. Instead, Brundle is stuck making awkward small talk with actors, musicians, and influencers who probably think a chicane is a fancy French dish.

It’s a trend that reflects the growing commercial appeal of F1, with Liberty Media, the sport’s owners since 2017, keen to attract a younger, more mainstream audience. Netflix’s Drive to Survive has been a game-changer in making F1 accessible to new fans, but it has also turned the paddock into a red-carpet event rather than a high-pressure sporting battleground.

The Brian May Incident: A Sign of the Times?

One recent example of the grid walk’s evolving (or devolving) nature was the 2024 British Grand Prix, where legendary Queen guitarist Brian May snubbed Brundle in what many perceived as a rude gesture. The backlash was swift, prompting May to issue a public apology, blaming his lack of F1 knowledge. But the incident highlighted a bigger issue—why are celebrities on the grid if they don’t even know or care about the sport?

Brundle, ever the professional, understands this dynamic. “They’re just selling a movie or something. I get that, but for Formula 1, they are A-listers,” he admitted. It’s a frustrating trade-off: global attention in exchange for awkward, often meaningless interactions.

Some of the best grid walk moments come when Brundle encounters people who genuinely appreciate the sport. His chats with the likes of Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, and even football stars like David Beckham have been far more engaging because these individuals at least understand and respect F1. But when a clueless celebrity stares blankly at him or scurries away, it raises the question: Is the integrity of the grid walk being sacrificed for star power?

The Future of the Grid Walk: Is Brundle Running Out of Time?

Brundle’s fear of saying the wrong thing is valid in today’s cancel-happy era. One misstep, one offhand comment taken the wrong way, and decades of credibility could be wiped out. It’s a delicate balance between being entertaining, informative, and respectful—all while dodging security guards and indifferent celebrities.

Yet, fans love Brundle’s no-nonsense approach. When someone on the grid is being dismissive or uninterested, Brundle doesn’t hesitate to call it out. His famous line, “You can’t do that here,” to Megan Thee Stallion’s security encapsulates why people appreciate him—he’s authentic in an increasingly polished and PR-controlled sport.

But with F1’s evolving landscape, it’s fair to ask: Is the classic Brundle grid walk on borrowed time? As access to drivers dwindles and F1 embraces its newfound Hollywood appeal, will Brundle soon be relegated to wandering through a sea of influencers, desperately seeking anyone who actually understands what a downforce setup is?

Fans Rally Behind Brundle

Despite the challenges, fans remain fiercely loyal to Brundle and his unique style. Social media erupts every race weekend with reactions to his grid walks, whether it’s admiration for his quick wit or secondhand embarrassment from his more cringe-worthy encounters.

A campaign to protect the integrity of Brundle’s grid walk has even gained traction among long-time fans, with many arguing that F1 should ensure easier access to drivers rather than prioritizing celebrities. While F1 bosses are unlikely to enforce such a change, the outcry proves just how much Brundle’s presence means to the sport’s core audience.

The truth is, Formula 1 would be far less entertaining without Martin Brundle’s fearless approach. His grid walk embodies everything great about live television—spontaneity, humor, and a touch of chaos. He provides a rare, unfiltered glimpse into the heart of F1, something that scripted PR interviews simply can’t replicate.

So, will Brundle’s next slip of the tongue be his last? Hopefully not. But in the modern F1 era of branding, sponsorship deals, and celebrity obsession, the future of his grid walk remains uncertain.

For now, we can only hope he keeps charging forward—microphone in hand, dodging security guards, and making sure no one forgets that this is his grid.