Brian May issues apology to Martin Brundle after F1 British Grand Prix | F1 | Sport

Brian May has issued a public apology after turning down a live interview with Martin Brundle on the grid before the British Grand Prix. The legendary Queen guitarist was at Silverstone to watch Lewis Hamilton take the chequered flag after nearly three years away from the top step of the podium.

Before the race, May was approached for an interview by Brundle as part of the Sky Sports presenter’s grid walk segment. He ultimately chose not to speak to Brundle, explaining that he felt he did not know enough about F1 to provide any sort of insight.

Some viewers took to social media to criticise May for turning down an interview with Brundle, who regularly speaks to celebrities on the grid. May has since apologised to Brundle via his website, saying in a statement that he was not trying to make him look silly.

“I had a great day at Silverstone thanks to the kindness of the Mercedes team and my grandson had some truly historic birthday moments,” wrote May.

“And by the way, apologies to Mr Brundle. Absolutely no intention of snubbing you. All you see is someone who is nervous of speaking about something of which he has little understanding and anxious to get to where he is supposed to be.”

Brundle said at the time that he respected May for admitting that he did not have enough F1 knowledge to give an insightful interview. His grid walks have proven to be hugely popular with viewers but the 65-year-old has made it clear that he does not enjoy them himself.

In an interview with The Telegraph, Brundle said: “I’ve been in F1 for 38 years. I had nine podiums as a F1 driver. I was a world sportscar champion, a Le Mans winner, a Daytona winner. I like to think I’ve called some pretty good races in my time. Worked with the great Murray Walker.

“But there’s no doubt about it, I’m most famous now for gridwalks and frankly it annoys me. I don’t really want to be remembered for getting the wrong person, or being ignored, or being mucked about by some bodyguards. I just don’t want to see it. I don’t know who that person is.

“Butting in on three team principals having a chinwag on the grid, as if I’m somehow more important than whatever they are talking about, or barging up to a megastar like [David] Beckham. And you do have to get your elbows out these days. I mean I used to have the grid to myself back in the day, so it’s definitely got more challenging in that respect.”