F1 fans ‘turn TV off’ as Martin Brundle missing from Sky’s Mexico GP grid walk

Many Formula 1 fans look forward to Martin Brundle’s grid walks before races, but the Sky Sports F1 favourite was absent from the build-up to the Mexican Grand Prix

Formula 1 fans were unhappy about the absence of Sky Sports favourite Martin Brundle from the regular pre-race grid walk segment ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix.

Brundle is in Mexico City this weekend and has been a part of the broadcaster’s coverage of the race weekend. But he was not in front of the camera for his much-anticipated segment, with colleagues Karun Chandhok and Bernie Collins instead taking the reins.

Given his presence on Sky’s coverage of the event throughout the weekend, fans had expected Brundle to take charge of the grid walk. And when he did not, some took to social media to vent their frustrations.

On X, one wrote: “No Brundle gridwalk? TV off until lights out.” Another moaned: “What the hell is this? Bring back Brundle!” And a third asked: “Why is Martin Brundle not doing the grid walk? He is literally the only reason why I start watching half an hour before the race starts.”

Plenty commended the job done by Chandhok and Collins, but still felt Brundle’s absence keenly. That included one fan who said: “Bernie and Karun did a quality job but there is no matching the chaos and second-hand embarrassment of a Brundle grid walk.”

It comes after another iconic grid walk moment last weekend in Austin, when Brundle was completely ignored by Williams driver Franco Colapinto. The Sky presenter tried to grab a word with the Argentine but was greeted by an awkward look before the 21-year-old just walked straight past.

Earlier this weekend, Colapinto and Brundle met to discuss their viral moment and the young racer offered an apology. He said: “Good to meet you, it is a pleasure to be talking to you. I am very sorry for what happened – just before the race starts, I am not used to speaking.

“Actually before the race starts in F2 we are still sitting in the car. And then suddenly in F1, we get 30 minutes, we jumped out of the car, everyone wants to interview you and I am a bit in a bubble. It was only my fourth race and it is a bit tricky but, yes, I am sorry for that.”