Formula 1 commentator and former driver Martin Brundle has called on celebrities to “learn some manners and respect” when they’re attending Formula 1 races, after he was rebuffed by rapper Megan Thee Stallion (MTS) during the United States Grand Prix.
Brundle approached the American rapper, real name Megan Jovon Ruth Pete, during his first grid walk since the pandemic began, only to be pushed away by her bodyguards.
MTS initially ignored Brundle’s request to talk, but the 62-year-old persevered despite being pushed away by a bodyguard to finally ask MTS if she had an F1-related rap. MTS replied: “I have no rap today, I’m sorry.”
Brundle then asked who she was supporting before an aid stepped in and told him “you can’t do that”, to which he replied: “I can, because I did.”
Brundle was also snubbed by tennis star Serena Williams – with her sister, Venus, famously doing the same a few years ago.
Writing on social media, Brundle said: “I have felt under pressure on the grid before but by people called Senna, Prost, Schumacher, Mansell, Piquet and so on.
“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.”
Brundle’s traditional grid walks are popular amongst F1 fans and social media went into a frenzy reacting to MTS’ snub, with the majority of fans calling on F1 and teams to only invite those that are truly interested in the sport.
I have seen Mr. Brundle be rebuffed or ignored by many men and women not named Schumacher, Prost, etc on the grid before. What on earth was so special about this lady only making one comment to him that caused his over reaction? Maybe it is time for him to step down.
Did you see the incident? I think Brundle was offended by the unnecessary use of a huge fat bodyguard dispersing all and sundry in front of him and the arrogance of some sycophant pushing him out of the way. Most of the A list celebs probably have security, they are just discrete, the B listers like this lady don’t actually need a bodyguard but get the biggest lump of meat they can find to show their importance to the world.
At least she had the decency not to pretend she knew anything about the sport, unlike some of the grid guests.
Her entourage were the added offenders in addition to the Neophyte chugging along in her nightie. At the end of the video, I loved M Brundle’s reaction to the “VIP” Bleach Blond 20-something attempting to put Brundle in his place with a retort of, “I did because I can ” !! Formula 1 could give two pumps in a cats ass about rappers, tennis players and retired basketballs & Presidents
If you watch GP racing, I think you would appreciate his drivers perspective on his lap observations, quite enlightening. Who cares about these dilettantes at the races, they are there to be seen, only
Perhaps if they would get rid of annoying twats like Brundle, they might be able to get actual driver interviews and not have to rely on celebrities who are famous for being famous (who have every right to turn down an interview, no matter how useless they are). Clearly most drivers and bosses seem annoyed when talking to Brundle because he is pushy and rude.
Didn’t like the way some of these “celebs” acted on pit row. At least pretend you know something about racing and don’t think you are better than the next person. And tell your entourage to be a little more respectful.
Maybe he could complain to Liberty?
Uhhhh…. Lewis is a 7 time champ ya racist moron.
At least they didnt get her to wave the checkered flag like Serena in Monaco. Haha
It’s funny, because Brundle has always come across as being a rude and irritating fly on the grid, to drivers and celebrities. Perhaps HE should learn some manners and understand that they are there for entertainment purposes, not to to boost F1’s TV ratings; which I realize are pretty low in the US, but showing an interview with a sub-80 IQ rapper who probably can’t even name one driver other than Lewis Hamilton (one can only assume they were guests of his) is NOT going to bring in viewers… Better racing will.
For your edification, Megan was invited by Red Bull for whatever reason. Not Lewis Hamilton. And the same for Serena in Monaco even though I believe she and Lewis regard themselves as acquaintances if not friends.
In any case, Brundle and anybody else unloading on the rapper are just being jerks. I would use a stronger word that rhymes with fast role but I don’t want to fall afoul of the censors. If anything, the people who should be unloaded on are the marketing geniuses who make the decisions about who to invite to F1.
Admittedly, I am way too old for the demographic I think they were aiming for so I was unaware of who Megan is. Nevertheless, as a “journalist”, Martin should learn to deal more appropriately with disappointment.
I might describe some of the commenters with a word rhyming with spacist, and also piss-dodge-ballistic. It likely takes an IQ somewhat greater than 80 to put together and deliver raps and get ahead however briefly in a cutthroat business. She and the Williams sisters are somehow the only ones called out for snubbing this gent who some describe as pushy and inane.
While I enjoy Brundle for his commentary, I think using people like Button or Rosberg for these types of interactions would be a better look for F1. Although attempting to get interviews with some of the celebrities that show up is a little pointless in my opinion. Interview some of the pit crews instead.