Martin Brundle was caught up in an awkward grid walk moment at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The broadcaster was speaking to Russell Okung, but the former NFL star’s promotion of Bitcoin forced the interviewer to cut the conversation short. The incident occurred at the start of Brundle’s grid walk segment in Jeddah.
After a brief interaction with a track marshal, he stumbled across Okung, who was wearing a Bitcoin t-shirt. Rather than engage Okung, the former Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle sought out Brundle. “My man,” he called to the Brit, catching his attention. The Sky Sports F1 co-commentator replied: “Russell! How are you?”
Okung replied: “I’m very well. Hey… I’ve got something better for Lando Norris to play for.” Intrigued, Brundle replied: “What is that?” The former NFL star then fired back: “If he wins… full Bitcoin ready for him! Full Bitcoin.”
Brundle was taken off guard by the answer and was forced to cut the conversation short, due to Sky’s advertising guidelines. “Ah… well we can’t… we don’t do advertising. Alright, Russell, good to see you…”
Okung found the reaction rather amusing and laughed out loud before wandering off from Brundle. After walking away from the former NFL man, the British broadcaster revealed that the pair had met in the paddock just an hour earlier.
The 36-year-old has been supporting the cryptocurrency since 2019. The former offensive tackle even requested his salary be paid in Bitcoin later in his career, although his requests were denied.
Unfortunately for Brundle, this wasn’t the end of the tumultuous start to his grid walk. After walking away from the Bitcoin enthusiast, he came across music artist Usher, who was a guest of Lewis Hamilton for the weekend.
However, when he attempted to start an interview with the legendary R&B singer, he was stopped by the American’s security guard, evoking memories of Brundle’s legendary clash with Megan Thee Stallion’s entourage in Texas.
