F1 News
Colapinto explains himself after blanking Brundle during his F1 grid walk
Franco Colapinto has explained what happened—from his point of view—when he seemingly ignored Martin Brundle during the famous grid walk. The Sky Sports commentator and former F1 driver tried to approach the Argentine driver for an interview but was ignored in an awkward but funny moment on live TV.
Just ahead of the United States Grand Prix, Brundle spotted Colapinto and wanted to speak to him. However, the Williams driver didn't really recognise Brundle and continued walking. The 21-year-old was just about to start his fourth Grand Prix, replacing Logan Sargeant. Colapinto was asked to explain himself in the paddock at the Mexican Grand Prix.
Why did Colapinto ignore Brundle?
"No, there isn't much of a story. I spoke with Williams, and I don't have much experience in this of going to a grid, then waiting there for 30 minutes, jumping out of the car, walking around the paddock, and everyone wanted to interview. I have been quite focused for the races," Colapinto said.
"Connor [Williams press officer] has been helping me not do interviews on the grid but in the paddock and being focused on what I have to do. That is driving of course," he added before going on to acknowledge Brundle's accolades in F1.
"Martin of course, he's been an extremely massive, mega, mega, mega driver, and he left a legacy in the sport as well. He never did any interview with me, and it was, at least for me, not a great moment to be speaking in the camera. I was going to the national anthem, and I was very late. I was focused on the race, I was focused on driving, and I was just fully into that. I didn't want to speak too much. I love speaking now and when I jump out of the car. But when I am in the racing mode, I try to be a bit more into my bubble and not to be giving interviews," Colapinto explained.