Earlier than each Method One race, celebrities and VIPs from world wide are invited onto the grid within the moments main as much as lights out – a time-honoured custom that’s develop into a key a part of race day spectacle.
However with that privilege comes one unwritten (however sacred) rule: for those who’re on the grid, you’re anticipated to talk to reporters when approached.
Not everybody follows that rule – and Arsenal and England star Bukayo Saka was the most recent to unintentionally step out of line.
Forward of the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona, Saka was noticed on the grid alongside England teammates Eberechi Eze and Trevoh Chalobah when Sky Sports activities F1 presenter Simon Lazenby approached him with a easy query: “Who’re you supporting at this time?”
Saka’s response? “Not a lot to say.” Lazenby shortly moved on.
However standing close by was 2016 F1 World Champion Nico Rosberg, who appeared lower than impressed by Saka’s reluctance to interact.
“That was not very pleasant,” Rosberg mentioned, earlier than turning his consideration to Newcastle defender Dan Burn, who proved way more talkative.
It’s factor Saka didn’t snub Martin Brundle, who normally leads the grid stroll and is well-known for his witty comebacks. Simply ask Pep Guardiola, who gave Brundle the chilly shoulder on the 2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, saying he’d already spoken to Sky twice that day.
As safety gently escorted Brundle away, he quipped: “It’s okay. I’ve been thrown out of higher locations than this.”
Basic Brundle – and a reminder that for those who’re going to walk the grid, you higher be prepared for the mic.
