Formula One's staggering move after commentary icon's live TV snub

·Sports Reporter

9 November 2021 at 9:24 pm·2-min read

Martin Brundle (pictured left) trying to interview rapper Megan Thee Stallion on the F1 grid. — The F1 has changed the rules surrounding the F1 starting grid after the incident involving Martin Brundle (pictured left) and rapper Megan Thee Stallion (pictured right). (Image: F1)

F1 has made the call to ban bodyguards for celebrities on the starting grid after an incident involving former racer Martin Brundle at last month's US Grand Prix in Austin.

The 62-year-old attempted to interview rapper Megan Thee Stallion, at the star-studded US GP, as she walked down the starting grid.

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Brundle, a former team mate of Germany's seven times world champion Michael Schumacher, approached Megan Thee Stallion and asked if she had any rap for F1.

Megan Thee Stallion replied: "No rap today".

After the denial, Brundle was told he can't do that from the bodyguards.

"I can do that, because I did," replied Brundle, who has interviewed Hollywood A listers and sporting greats over the years, to the delight of many on social media.

F1 change bodyguard rule on starting grid

Since the incident, a Formula One source confirmed to Reuters that bodyguards would no longer be allowed due to space limitations and Covid-19 restrictions, but celebrities would not be obliged to give interviews.

The rule has been termed the 'Brundle Clause' following the incident.

However, Brundle took to Twitter to clarify his position on the rule and said he didn't ask for a change of protocol.

Martin Brundle (pictured left) interviews Pierre Gasly and Scuderia AlphaTauri at the F1 Grand Prix of Mexico. (Photo by Peter Fox/Getty Images) (Peter Fox via Getty Images)

"For the avoidance of doubt I don’t care who visits the F1 grid, the more the merrier. Talk to me, ignore me, shove, wave, hug, call me names, whatever makes you happy," he said.

"All I ask is that you soak up the atmosphere, enjoy the privilege. I’ve not asked for any grid protocol changes."

For the avoidance of doubt I don’t care who visits the F1 grid, the more the merrier. Talk to me, ignore me, shove, wave, hug, call me names, whatever makes you happy. All I ask is that you soak up the atmosphere, enjoy the privilege. I’ve not asked for any grid protocol changes
— Martin Brundle (@MBrundleF1) November 9, 2021

with Reuters

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