Martin Brundle recalls risky Daniel Craig moment on iconic Formula 1 grid walk

Martin Brundle's pre-race grid walk has become a fan-favourite moment of a Formula 1 grand prix weekend.

As he makes his way through the chaotic sea of mechanics, team members and celebrities, the impromptu comments and interviews have provided some of the most memorable live moments.

While reflecting on the famous grid walk in an interview with Sky Sports F1, Brundle remembered the moment he defied strict orders not to interview James Bond star Daniel Craig.

When asked by his Sky Sports colleague Natalie Pinkham if he ever gets starstruck on the grid, the former F1 driver explained: "I feel nervous I'm going to get blanked or pushed around by a bodyguard or something.

"I was told under no circumstances must I approach Daniel Craig when he was a megastar as James Bond, he was a megastar anyway. But Tommy was in my ear going, 'Go on, go on,' and I had literally read the riot act beforehand that I must not approach him, so I did."

Luckily, the gamble paid off for Brundle. "He was lovely and very chatty, and he's got very impressive blue eyes."

Stormzy and Martin Brundle, Sky TV

Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images

Brundle's grid walks continue to provide viral moments from race weekends. Other now-famous moments have included the Briton bluntly saying, "I can do that, because I just did," after being pushed back and told by Megan Thee Stallion's bodyguard that he couldn't ask any questions, and his hilarious, cut-throat response to model Cara Delevingne's interview refusal: "Well, I'm sure it would have been extremely interesting."

There was also the awkward exchange with Machine Gun Kelly, who demanded that the broadcast play air piano with him and then abruptly walked away, and more recently, when Brundle mistook Scottish singer Lewis Capaldi's brother for the singer. 

While the grid walk continues to provide some awkward moments, that's not the case for all of the off-the-cuff interviews. Hollywood legend Michael Douglas interrupted Brundle during the lead-up to the 2023 Spanish Grand Prix to pay him a compliment.

"Can I just stop you for a second to say what an excellent job you do, weekend in, week out. I'm so impressed, both here in the pits and your colour commentary. You're amazing!" he said, before his wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones added: "And I second Michael – your work, what you do, you really make it!"