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F1 icon's horror moment with Venus Williams at Miami Grand Prix

sam goodwin
Sports Editor
·4-min read
Martin Brundle, pictured here in very awkward exchange with Venus Williams at the Miami Grand Prix.
Martin Brundle had a very awkward exchange with Venus Williams at the Miami Grand Prix. Image: Sky Sports

Iconic F1 commentator Martin Brundle had an absolute shocker as he walked the grid interviewing celebrities before the inaugural Miami Grand Prix on Sunday.

As he often does, Brundle mingled with the celebrities and famous athletes in attendance at the F1 on Sunday, trying to get a few interviews for the Sky Sports coverage.

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The Englishman has become well-known for his grid walks, which often don't go to plan and can leave the commentator and celebrities a bit red-faced.

And it's fair to say nothing really went right for Brundle on Sunday.

The commentator accidentally called Venus Williams her sister Serena's name, before an excruciatingly long pause after the tennis champion's response to his question.

“We love having Lewis and all the other drivers here in Miami for the first time," Venus said before Brundle continued to hold the microphone out to her awkwardly.

After what seemed an eternity she broke the silence by saying: "Oh sorry what was the question?"

Brundle simply replied: "Oh I don't know. It doesn't matter really."

Venus and Serena Williams, pictured here at the Miami Grand Prix.
Venus and Serena Williams at the Miami Grand Prix. (Photo by BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)

It wasn't the only awkward moment for Brundle however after he mistook college basketball star Paolo Banchero for Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

“It’s not Patrick - that’s why he ignored me,” Brundle said in earshot of Banchero.

Brundle then asked: “What is your name? I thought I was talking to somebody else! So I’m sorry about that…”

As he strolled off he muttered: “Whatever…”

Brundle later fearlessly approached Italian businessman Gianluca Vacchi and this time admitted he didn't know who he was talking to.

He was also completely blanked by David Beckham after trying to get a few words.

"That's the second time he's done that," Brundle said.

Martin Brundle's unhappy time in America

At last year's United States Grand Prix in Texas, Brundle infamously attempted to interview rapper Megan Thee Stallion despite obviously not knowing much about her.

Megan's security detail didn't make it any easier on him, asking him to remove himself.

“That’s a very big bloke in front of her,” Brundle said of her bodyguard.

“Megan, Martin Brundle from British television, how are you?

“Megan Thee Stallion, you’re a freestyle rapper.”

Martin Brundle, pictured here interviewing Pierre Gasly at the Mexico Grand Prix in 2021.
Martin Brundle interviews Pierre Gasly at the Mexico Grand Prix in 2021. (Photo by Peter Fox/Getty Images)

After then asking if she "had any raps for us today", a slightly bemused Megan replied: “I have no rap today, I’m sorry."

The 62-year-old was less than impressed with his treatment from the security guard, taking to Twitter to suggest that if the many drivers on the grid could treat him with respect, surely other celebrities could show some respect to the sport and fans as well.

“I have felt under pressure on the grid before but by people called Senna, Prost, Schumacher, Mansell, Piquet and so on,” he wrote.

“Bodyguards visiting the grid for the first time don’t bother me, everyone’s got a job to do, but they could maybe learn some manners and respect on our patch.”

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