After four weeks, which honestly felt like four months of no racing action, F1 set up its tents in Belgium for round 14 of the championship. The fans came out in huge numbers and were treated to a Martin Brundle special featuring Esteban Ocon before the 5-lights went out.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The former F1 driver, Brundle, was in high spirits after a month-long hiatus and performed his customary grid walk. Ever since, hanging up his race helmet, the Brit became a constant feature of the Sky Sports team and is the voice of F1, alongside David Croft. While performing his pre-race ritual, the journalist spotted Ocon and attempted to get an insight from the Alpine ace.
However, ahead of the Grand Prix, the 25-year-old put himself in a racing mode as he rushed toward car number 31. The Sky sports journalist tracked the F1 superstar, but unable to keep up with him, he screamed, “Estebaaaaaaan”.
Notably, all of this aired on television and F1 twitter could not contain its excitement.
HELP pic.twitter.com/NMkqPA698x
— kat ❁ (@honey_ricc) August 28, 2022
Me running after F1 team principals to convince them to give Daniel a seat pic.twitter.com/OOa7Dthmfv
— Jo 🦡 (@itsIightsout) August 29, 2022
I think I’ve watched this a good twenty times 😂 pic.twitter.com/D3FrP9i6Gi
— F1 Reaction Pictures (@FormulaReaction) August 29, 2022
Haha Esteban ignoring Martin Brundle in the same way I do if I see one of my ex’s 😂
— Sav Mondo (@SavMondo) August 28, 2022
Remarkably, Brundle is 63 years old and remains one of the most energetic faces on the grid, week in and week out. Moreover, unlike some other F1 drivers, Ocon wasn’t wearing headsets or anything to cover his ears.
Seems he was just behind schedule for race day.
“Are these your sunglasses? Someone just handed them to me” – Martin Brundle to a confused Esteban Ocon 😂
— BrakeHard (@BrakeHardBlog) August 28, 2022
omg martin brundle chasing after esteban ocon 😭😭
— Charlie (@ch4rlie_c0m) August 28, 2022
The Martin Brundle Track Walk remains undefeated. (Asking Esteban Ocon if he left sunglasses that we’re handed to him after he tracks him down for a short interview.)
— Stick 2 F1 Podcast (@Stick2F1) August 28, 2022
martin brundle literally running after ocon going ‘esteban! esteban! esteeebannnnn!!’ i’m HOWLING
— em⁴ || BelgianGP 🇧🇪 (@landonor4) August 28, 2022
Brundle grid walk summarized in one word (that isn't cringe): ESTEBAN pic.twitter.com/m5CI2rP0QG
— Daily Racing Stories (@_thedrszone) August 28, 2022
The Brundle and Ocon connection goes way back to the 2019 Chinese GP, where the duo presented the grid walk ahead of the race. At the time, the Frenchman was a reserve driver for Mercedes and presented the show with the journalist in full energy.
F1 journalist mistakes a celebrity for Patrick Mahomes on the grid walk
In recent times, the following and viewership of F1 have crossed record-breaking numbers, and the sport is more popular than ever. Thus, it is now a common feat to spot different celebrities on the grid ahead of the Grand Prix.
Martin Brundle thought he was talking to Patrick Mahomes 😂
Also can we make sure Paulo doesn’t cramp in this heat! He’s locked in! pic.twitter.com/n8afEDvjI4
— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) May 8, 2022
Earlier this season, F1 visited the United States to host the inaugural Miami Grand Prix. The race was a really hyped-up event, and boy did we see some star power. Celebrities like Tom Brady, David Beckham, DJ Khaled, Michael Jordan, and many more flocked out to the magic city to get a taste of the racing action.
One noteworthy celebrity was the Orlando magic power forward, Paolo Banchero. F1 journalist, Martin Brundle, spotted the young gun on the grid and rushed to pick his brain in front of a massive crowd.
Martin Brundle in the Multiverse of Madness #MiamiGP pic.twitter.com/LKKCZs3Dm0
— ODDSbible (@ODDSbible) May 8, 2022
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Briton started questioning the 19-year-old basketball player while assuming that he is the Quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes. After a while, the reporter learned through his earpiece that he is interviewing an entirely different person and apologized to Banchero, who was content to share his thoughts with the camera.
Even though Brundle could not interview Mahomes that day, the fans still found him jumping up and down the grid. The hysterical pre-race show made everyone chuckle.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch This Story: In Pictures: Max Verstappen & Co Wrap Up Relaxing Summer Break With Fresh Motivations
Are you a fan of the F1 grid walks?