Martin Brundle presents US GP grid walk with Hollywood star guest as F1 fans divided
Martin Brundle was joined by Hollywood actor Glen Powell for Sky Sports F1's grid walk at the United States Grand Prix on Sunday and fans were split over the move to bring in a guest presenter
Formula 1 enthusiasts were split as Martin Brundle made a significant alteration to his customary pre-race grid walk at the United States Grand Prix. The Sky Sports favourite, known for his live segment, usually provides memorable moments during the US GP in Texas as a host of celebrities flock to the grid.
However, he shook things up this time by inviting one of those famous faces to co-host with him. Hollywood actor Glen Powell, known for his roles in Top Gun: Maverick and the upcoming film The Running Man, was at Brundle's side, equipped with a Sky Sports microphone and earpiece.
As a casual F1 fan, Powell couldn't provide the same level of insight that Brundle typically does. Instead of interviewing other celebrities, the unlikely pair spent the first half of the grid walk chatting amongst themselves as the former F1 driver explained some basic aspects of the sport to Austin native Powell.
Social media users had varied reactions to the change in format. One fan who seemed to enjoy it commented: "Glen Powell is being awesome on the pitwalk with Martin Brundle, great questions!" Another chimed in: "Really enjoying this Brundle and Glen Powell chit chat."
However, not everyone was pleased. One disgruntled viewer moaned: "Well done Sky Sports F1 for taking the hugely popular Martin Brundle grid walk and completely ruining it by forcing a dry personality passenger."
Another critic penned: "If Martin Brundle just gets rid of that random guy, he can stop mansplaining what everyone already knows."
READ MORE: F1 chief says what he really thinks about US Grand Prix as announcement made over futureREAD MORE: Lewis Hamilton footage emerges of horror US GP incident as debris flies at his headOne fan pointed out an apparent lack of on-screen chemistry between the two men, which they found off-putting. They commented: "Glen Powell asking all these questions on the grid and Martin Brundle giving them no time of day? A very odd segment - it's like they've been told to do complete opposite things?".
Powell left part-way through the segment as he had other obligations to fulfil, leaving Brundle to go about his work solo as is the usual case. But he did not speak with any other non-F1 celebrities during the remainder of his grid walk, instead making a beeling for Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies and also stopping for chats with drivers Liam Lawson and Esteban Ocon.
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It was an underwhelming segment for fans who tuned in hoping for another memorable encounter with a celebrity, like the ones he has had in Austin in the past – such as when he was completely snubbed by musician Megan Thee Stallion.
But there will be many more opportunities in the future after it was announced that the US GP will remain on the F1 calendar until at least 2034.