It did not get much discussion from us here at the time, and I guess being the US we all expected it but the number of so called celebs poseurs and wannabees (some of which I have no idea who or what they are) on the grid was I thought over the top, and more to the point most of them had little or no interest of F1 or anything other than getting something to furnish their own social media with. It is not only the celebs, but more their over zealous bodyguards etc all thinking their shit doesnt stink.
We saw Brundle having a hard time with some on the grid, and he has since let it be known what he thinks of them. He also mentions that genuine celebs (ie Jagger, Lucas, Patrick Stewart etc ) are usually great and aware that their presence is as a trimming to the real event, and are happy to say nice things about F1. Others behave like entitled lumps of doo-doo. Who or WTF is Megan Three Stallion, other than a shapely embellishment. Actually embellishment is the wrong word. That implies something that their presence improves.
Megan whatever her name is. Never heard of her. Did she improve the show? It seems not. Dont invite next time.
As I said Martin was not impressed.....
Brundle calls for ‘manners and respect’ after F1 grid walk snub
Martin Brundle has called for “manners and respect” from celebrities attending Formula 1 events after a bizarre grid walk prior to the United States Grand Prix.
The racer-turned-commentator took to the grid in his usual style for the first time in two years at the Circuit of The Americas after COVID-19 restrictions on the media were eased.
However, on three occasions he was either refused an interview or bundled out of the way by celebrity minders.
Most notable was his attempted exchange with rapper Megan Thee Stallion which saw him first pushed away by a bodyguard before seemingly being told he can’t talk to the American musician.
He was also twice brushed aside by Serena Williams’ entourage, though in far less abrupt fashion.
“I have felt under pressure on the grid before but by people called Senna, Prost, Schumacher, Mansell, Piquet and so on,” Brundle wrote on Twitter.
“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 grid walks have become famous for their ad-hoc nature, with the Brit meandering through the crowd without a plan or script.
It has seen a number of other broadcasters follow suit, with former Speed and NBC Sports pit-lane reporter Will Buxton admitting he’s received similar treatment on live television.
“The F1 grid walk is the highest live TV pressure I’ve ever experienced,” he shared in a series of Tweets.
“You’re briefed beforehand if celebs don’t want to be interviewed. With the others you can only try.
“I’ve been pied. We all have. Usually nicely and with an apology. The others, it only reflects badly on them.
“I had one experience where a celeb had agreed to an interview on the grid and when I asked him my first question he turned on his heels and walked off laughing with his costar.
“I just stared down the camera and said ‘wow’.
“Had some amazing doorstep interviews on the grid,” he added.
“Mick Jagger was lovely. Katy Perry couldn’t have been sweeter. Patrick Stewart, Michael Douglas, Tom Brady, [Lindsey] Vonn all brilliant.
“IceT once proudly told the viewers ‘this front wing costs more than your mother f##kin house’.”
https://www.speedcafe.com/2021/10/26/br ... walk-snub/
Im with Martin I must admit I accept the celebs as something that brings a wider audience to F1, which in turn might result in better coverage for me, but they need to know their place and role. It is not about them whatever their self entitled attitudes might have them think. They are not the main event, but part of the support acts, and should behave with that in mind.