Martin Brundle and grid walks: “You can no longer talk to drivers before the race, it’s frustrating”. Sky Sports journalist Martin Brundle reflected on how times have changed in F1.

Martin Brundle, a journalist and icon in the world of F1, has expressed his disappointment with the current state of grid walks before Grand Prix races. The grid walk, a tradition that began in 1997, allows journalists to immerse fans in the pre-race emotions through images and interviews.

Recently, however, things have changed, and the charm of those moments has been somewhat lost.

Martin Brundle and the Grid Walks of the Past
Martin Brundle reminisced about the early days of grid walks in F1, sharing some intriguing anecdotes: “In the beginning, I was the only person on the grid with a camera. It was so easy back then because there was no competition. Drivers would stop and chat.”

“I remember talking once with Michael Schumacher and Gerhard Berger at the same time. Before, I could go wherever I wanted and do whatever I liked. The grid was empty; now there are 2,000 people all together,” he remarked during the Sky Sports podcast.

The Attitude of Today’s Drivers

Martin Brundle also highlighted how drivers’ attitudes have changed. Now well-protected by their teams, drivers tend to avoid interviews and journalists, especially in the moments leading up to a race.

“I don’t like not being able to see the drivers on the grid and having a quick word with them anymore. Many of them, like George Russell and Hamilton, go back to the garage for a pre-race briefing. A lot of them do it—they leave the grid, especially if it’s hot. They go to have a drink or to the bathroom and don’t want to be disturbed,” Martin Brundle noted.

The difference from the past is significant. Modern Formula 1 is, if possible, even more “closed off” and exclusive, even in these aspects, making things more challenging for those working within the sport.