George Russell makes Martin Brundle accusation during Abu Dhabi grid walk
George Russell joked that he felt ‘left out’ by Martin Brundle this season after the pair spoke during the legendary broadcaster’s grid walk segment ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Russell was the final subject of what was a subdued final grid walk of the 2023 season, taking the time to chat with the Sky Sports F1 reporter while he and the rest of the drivers waited for the national anthem to round off the pre-race proceedings.
“Don’t really know what to expect,” Russell told Brundle when asked for a preview of his race. “I’m sure Lewis will be coming through as well, so it’s going to be exciting. I realise you’ve not spoken to me all season. I feel left out! I always see the memes on YouTube of you speaking to everyone.”
Brundle was taken aback by Russell’s disappointment, responding: “I’m really sorry about that.” There was, however, a happy ending to the conversation with the Mercedes driver promising to make some more appearances on the grid walk in 2024.
Click here to join our WhatsApp community to be the first to receive breaking and exclusive F1 news.
Don’t miss… Lando Norris slams ‘terrible’ FIA change after latest Abu Dhabi GP controversy[LATEST]
While Russell didn’t know what to expect from his evening ahead of the pre-race ceremony, there was plenty to be impressed with during the opening stint. The Mercedes driver had dropped behind McLaren driver Lando Norris after the opening lap but was running in third place by the time his first stint was over.
There was also tempered positivity ahead of the race from Charles Leclerc. The Monegasque driver was another to stop for a chat with Brundle on the grid as he previewed the battle with Mercedes for second in the Constructors’ Championship standings.
“We know Mercedes has been very strong all weekend,” Leclerc told Brundle. “They didn’t put everything together in quali. Today is going to be a big challenge, but I will give it everything.”
More F1…
Lewis Hamilton names condition that has to be met before F1 retirement[COMMENT]
F1 prize money: How much each team will earn from 2023 final standings[INSIGHT]
Ted Kravitz accused of ‘supporting Mercedes’ in awkward altercation on live TV[DRAMA]
- Support fearless journalism
- Read The Daily Express online, advert free
- Get super-fast page loading
One fan who was backing Mercedes in that fight was tennis legend Maria Sharapova. The five-time Grand Slam winner pledged her allegiance to Lewis Hamilton in her grid walk conversation with the Sky Sports F1 reporter.
There was also some support for the reigning world champion on the grid as Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne proclaimed his backing of Max Verstappen. “I know Max a little bit but I enjoy F1 in general,” he told Sky Sports F1.
“I’m very excited there’s still something on the line in the constructors’ so I hope to see a great fight between McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes. I want Max to win but after that, let’s see a good race.”
Source: Read Full Article
