Martin Brundle was roundly ignored by superstar musician Usher on his pre-race grid walk before the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The awkward moment came after the Sky Sports favourite cut another interview short because of the broadcaster’s advertising rules.
Brundle has become famous for his pre-race grid walks. His unrivalled knowledge of Formula 1 always makes it an informative segment, but often more memorable are those moments when he has run-ins with famous faces.
And another happened in Jeddah when he tried to speak to music superstar Usher. But the singer, who performed at the 2024 Super Bowl Halftime Show, was having none of it and Brundle was told by a bodyguard that he would not be speaking with the American artist.
“I think we saw Usher coming down here,” Brundle said as he made progress down the grid. But he perhaps expected a rejection as he then swiftly added: “I don’t know if we’re going to get anywhere near him, but we’ll give it a try.”
As he spotted the musician, Brundle tried to speak to him and shouted: “Usher, Martin Brundle, British TV.” Usher briefly glanced at the Brit but then looked away again and a bodyguard got between the two of them to make it clear there would be no interview.
Brundle took it in his usual good humour, replying: “Okay, no worries. We’d have loved to have talked to him and see what he feels about all of this.” He then queried again to the bodyguard: “Absolutely not?” And when he was again told no he said: “Okay, not to worry. No problem.”
While Brundle never got the chance to speak with the singer, one of his more famous compatriots certainly did. Lewis Hamilton and Usher were spotted in deep conversation at the back of the Ferrari garage during Sky’s build-up coverage before the Grand Prix.
The incident came only a few moments after Brundle had cut short another interview. He had just decided not to try to bother Lando Norris before the race and was walking away from the McLaren driver’s car when he was approached by another man.
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Brundle recognised him and said into his microphone: “”Russell, how are you?” In reply, the man said: “Very well. Hey, I got something even better for Lando to play for. If he wins, I’ve got a Bitcoin ready for him.”
The man then pointed to the Bitcoin logo which was on his T-shirt. But Brundle was quick to end the conversation there clearly concerned that he was going to be giving away some free advertising.
He cut across the man to say: “Okay yeah, well we don’t do advertising. Alright Russell, good to see you. That was Russell Okung, god I’ve known him for so long – about an hour ago I met him in the paddock, actually.”
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