Franco Colapinto says his awkward encounter with Martin Brundle at the United States Grand Prix was due to his inexperience and focus on the race.
Recently, an incident involving the rookie driver and the veteran Sky Sports F1 commentator captured the attention of fans and media, leading to discussions on protocol, respect, and the challenges faced by newcomers in the sport.
Franco Colapinto, a promising talent from Argentina, has quickly made a name for himself after stepping in as a driver for the Williams Racing team.
The 21-year old’s journey into Formula 1 has been nothing short of remarkable, as he transitioned from karting at the tender age of nine to competing at the highest levels of motorsport. However, amidst his ascent, Colapinto finds himself navigating the complexities that come with being in the spotlight.
The incident that stirred widespread attention occurred during the grid walk at the United States Grand Prix, part of the 2024 Formula 1 season.
As Brundle conducted his well-known grid walk—a segment intended to engage fans and provide insights into the upcoming race—he encountered Colapinto. According to reports, the young driver appeared to completely blank him, seemingly unaware of the commentator’s effort to introduce himself.
The moment was both awkward and humorous, as Brundle later commented that Colapinto looked at him as though he were a stranger off the street, implying a lack of recognition of the legendary figure in motorsport.
In an interview ahead of Mexico City Grand Prix, Colapinto addressed the scenario, downplaying it as a non-event.
“There isn’t much of a story,” the Williams driver said. “I spoke with Williams many times and I don’t have much of experience on this, of having first going to the grid, then waiting there for 30 minutes, jumping out of the car, walking around the paddock and everyone wanted to make new interviews.
“And I have been quite focused before the races, you know. And Connor [Bean, Williams press officer], he has been really helping me not do interviews on the grid, not on the grid, but in the paddock and all those things and being focused on what I have to do, that is driving, of course.”
Reflecting on the encounter with Brundle, Franco Colapinto acknowledged the legendary driver’s contributions to the sport.
“Martin, of course, he’s been extremely massive – a mega, mega, mega driver and he left a legacy in the sport as well,” he added. “He never did any interview [with] me and it was, at least for me, not a great moment to be speaking in the camera.
“I was going to the national anthem and I was very late. And yeah, I was focused on the race, I was focused on driving and I was just fully into that. I didn’t want to speak too much.
“I love speaking now [in media sessions] and when I jump out of the car, but when I am in the racing mode, I try to be a bit more into my role and not to be giving interviews. That’s it.”
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