WHEN it comes to Formula One grid walks in the USA, you can put good money on there being an interesting interaction between Martin Brundle and a celebrity.
And that was the case once again ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Max Verstappen claimed victory at the circuit after saying it was the “National League” of race tracks.
But ahead of the race Sky Sports F1 reporter Brundle, 64, was doing his best to get some interviews for the broadcaster.
A host of celebs were at the show event, including the likes of David Beckham, Brad Pitt, Rihanna and Veronika Rajek.
However, when it came to NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, Brundle was brutally snubbed on the grid.
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As Brundle arrived next to one of the Red Bull cars the former F1 driver tried to hail the 7ft 1in basketball icon.
However, O’Neal – known as Shaq – did not play ball with the request despite a member of the Red Bull crew saying yes to giving an interview.
As Shaq, 51, tried to walk away from Brundle, the reporter remarked: “I don’t think he’s up for it, I’ve wasted my long microphone cable.”
Shaq then moved to the front of the car to take a photo with more of the Red Bull crew, including Team Principal Christian Horner.
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As he then came back towards Brundle, Shaq once again dismissed any chance of an extended interview.
Instead, he said into the microphone: “Lewis Hamilton baby.”
Brundle finally quipped: “That’ll cover it.”
Fans online praised Brundle for his attempt despite the awkward exchange and slammed Shaq for his unwillingness to talk.
One fan said: “Martin Brundle is a national treasure.”
A second said: “Shouldn’t be down on the grid unless you’re willing to talk.”
A third said: “Not Shaq shouting this after taking pics with the whole RB team including Horner.”
Another said: “Martin rocks. Poor form Shaq.”
While a fifth added: “Another gem 🤣.”
This season alone has seen Brundle cross paths with Cara Delevingne, Machine Gun Kelly and Anthony Joshua in awkward exchanges.
This season’s Miami GP struck a particularly hilarious tone, with interviews including Beckham, DJ Khaled and a blunder with Patrick Mahomes.
Previous years have seen Brundle interview Pep Guardiola, Megan Thee Stallion and Pitt with not much success.
The F1 season will conclude at next weekend’s Abu Dhabi GP.
Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
