The F1 grid is a spotlight for celebrities and VIPs, where interaction with reporters is an expected tradition. During the Spanish Grand Prix, Arsenal star Bukayo Saka fell short of this unwritten rule by offering a terse response when questioned about his support. This prompted F1 champion Nico Rosberg's disapproval. The article underscores the necessity for grid personalities to be prepared for media engagement, recalling past instances like Pep Guardiola's snub of Martin Brundle, who humorously accepted being escorted away after being rebuffed.
Ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona, Saka was spotted on the grid alongside England teammates Eberechi Eze and Trevoh Chalobah when Sky Sports F1 presenter Simon Lazenby approached him with a simple question: Who are you supporting today? Saka's response? "Not much to say." Lazenby quickly moved on.
That was not very friendly, Rosberg said, before turning his attention to Newcastle defender Dan Burn, who proved much more talkative. It's a good thing Saka didn't snub Martin Brundle.
Just ask Pep Guardiola, who gave Brundle the cold shoulder at the 2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, saying he'd already spoken to Sky twice that day. As security gently escorted Brundle away, he quipped: It's okay. I've been thrown out of better places than this.
It's a time-honoured tradition that's become a key part of race day spectacle. But with that privilege comes one unwritten (but sacred) rule: if you're on the grid, you're expected to speak to reporters.
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