Max Verstappen could have been fined for talking to Martin Brundle (Image: SKY SPORTS)
Max Verstappen narrowly avoided a fine before the Bahrain Grand Prix kicked off 12 months ago when he was almost late for the opening ceremony and national anthem. The Dutch drive went on to clinch his fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship but at the very start of the season almost landed himself in hot water for a quick interaction with Sky Sports’ Martin Brundle during the analyst’s popular grid walk.
Verstappen had demonstrated why was the reigning world champion by securing pole position in Bahrain, leaving ‘s Charles Leclerc and ‘ trailing. But on Saturday’s race day, Verstappen was the last to join the line-up for the anthem and ceremony in Bahrain. As Brundle wrapped up his grid walk, he sought the man but found him missing from the driver assembly.
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Informed that Verstappen was navigating through the throng of celebrities, fans, and F1 dignitaries, Brundle remarked, “He must be due on the grid by now, actually, Max. I’m surprised he’s not. If he does show up, he’ll be…,” only to halt mid-sentence.
The 26-year-old racer then appeared, sprinting past Brundle, who attempted to grab a word with him amid the rush. Upon enquiring if Verstappen was “all good”, he responded with a thumbs-up and turned the concern back on Brundle, asking: “Are you good? Are you good, yeah?”
Brundle confirmed he was “fantastic” as he lauded Verstappen for “risking a fine” to ask about his well-being. The exchange was just one highlight of Brundle’s eagerly awaited grid walks, which had been absent during the off-season, much to the disappointment of F1 enthusiasts.
Max in a rush running to the grid, but still coming back to ask Martin how he is doing ??????
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1)
On his first outing of the 2024 season, he didn’t fail to entertain, engaging with notables such as TV personality , racers and , and legend Patrice Evra – who notably paused their chat to greet football sensation Neymar, donning an eye-catching pink suit.
Brundle will again perform an iconic season-opening grid walk at the start of the 2025 campaign in Melbourne for the Australian Grand Prix this Sunday morning.