Williams’ rising star Franco Colapinto has addressed the awkward pre-race moment with Martin Brundle on the grid at the United States Grand Prix, where the Argentine rookie walked past the legendary F1 pundit without acknowledging him. Colapinto, who has quickly become a fan favorite after strong performances, including a 10th-place finish in Austin, clarified his decision to forgo the impromptu interview, explaining he was entirely focused on the race ahead.
The incident raised eyebrows on social media, with fans questioning why Colapinto appeared to ignore Brundle. In the Sky F1 commentary booth, Brundle jokingly said, “He looked at me like I was trying to mug him or steal his umbrella.” The rookie, however, explained that the timing simply wasn’t ideal as he was heading toward the national anthem and was already running late.
“No, there isn’t much of a story,” Colapinto explained. “I was very focused on the race and the anthem was about to start. When I’m in racing mode, I try to stay focused and don’t want to be giving interviews.”
Colapinto acknowledged Brundle’s stature in the sport, calling him a “massive, mega driver” and a legend in F1, adding that as a newcomer, he’s still adapting to the pre-race expectations and the extended grid routine. With fans from South America rallying behind him and a promising debut season underway, Colapinto remains focused on proving himself on the track, even if it means occasionally skipping a grid interview.
The Williams driver’s single-minded approach underscores the intensity he brings to his rookie season, as he navigates the complex world of F1 both on and off the track. As Colapinto continues to impress, his actions signal that his attention is firmly on the race—regardless of who’s on the grid waiting for a word.
