Martin Brundle’s SHOCKING Showdown with Former Foe at F1 75 Live

The Formula 1 world never forgets a cringeworthy grid walk moment, and Martin Brundle’s infamous encounter with Machine Gun Kelly (MGK) in 2023 remains one of the most talked-about interactions in F1 history. Now, as F1 prepares for its grand 75th-anniversary live event, MGK is set to return, reigniting curiosity, speculation, and perhaps even a bit of dread among F1 fans and pundits alike.
F1 75 Live: A Star-Studded Affair
F1 has pulled out all the stops for its 75th-anniversary celebration. The F1 75 Live event, set to take place at London’s O2 Arena, promises to be a historic spectacle. Every single team on the grid will be in attendance, unveiling their 2025 liveries. However, the true 2025 cars will remain under wraps, with Ferrari choosing to showcase their SF-25 a day later in Maranello.
The event will be hosted by British comedian Jack Whitehall, known for his sharp wit and ability to stir up controversy. He will be joined by F1 TV presenters Laura Winter, Ariana Bravo, and Lawrence Barretto. As if that weren’t enough, the entertainment lineup includes Machine Gun Kelly, Take That, Kane Brown, and Brian Tyler—the composer of F1’s now-iconic theme tune.
But despite the impressive lineup, one name stands out for F1 fans: MGK. Not for his music, not for his fashion choices, but for that incredibly awkward moment with Brundle on the grid.
Brundle vs. MGK: A Grid Walk for the Ages
For those who missed it (or have erased it from memory to avoid secondhand embarrassment), the encounter between Sky F1’s Martin Brundle and Machine Gun Kelly during the 2023 Sao Paulo Grand Prix was a masterpiece of awkwardness. Brundle, known for his fearless grid walk interviews, approached MGK for a quick chat. What followed was nothing short of bizarre.
After an initial exchange, MGK took control of the interview, demanding that Brundle engage in an impromptu air guitar session. A visibly unimpressed Brundle refused, even as MGK counted down from three in an attempt to force participation. The moment ended with MGK giving a sarcastic thumbs-down to the camera and storming off, leaving Brundle to quip, “Something tells me I won’t be on his Christmas card list.”
The clip quickly went viral, trending on social media with fans labeling the interaction as “cringeworthy” and “one of the worst grid walk moments ever.”
Brundle Reflects on the Chaos
Brundle has always taken these encounters in stride. In a Sky Sports Q&A reflecting on his 2023 grid walk experiences, he categorized his MGK moment as a “car crash” interview alongside another painfully brief exchange with basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal.
“I’ve had some car crash moments with Machine Gun Kelly and Shaquille O’Neal, whose answer was short and sweet—but nobody’s ever called him short and sweet before, I don’t think,” Brundle said.
He added that while such interviews might go viral for the wrong reasons, his true enjoyment comes from interacting with the F1 drivers, who always provide genuine insight and entertainment.
What to Expect from F1 75 Live: Round Two?
With MGK back on the guest list for F1 75 Live, the inevitable question arises: Will Brundle get a rematch?
Given Brundle’s well-established approach of interviewing anyone and everyone on the grid, he may find himself face-to-face with MGK once more. The thought of another uncomfortable exchange has F1 fans buzzing, with some hoping for redemption and others eager for another dose of viral-worthy awkwardness.
Social media has already erupted with speculation:
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“If Brundle interviews MGK again, I’m watching just for that.”
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“Jack Whitehall better make Brundle and MGK do an air guitar battle.”
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“Brundle should go up to MGK with a countdown from three and just walk away.”
The Legacy of the Grid Walk
Martin Brundle’s grid walks are legendary for their unpredictability. Over the years, he has encountered dismissive celebrities, baffled VIP guests, and outright comedic exchanges that have cemented his status as one of the most fearless broadcasters in motorsport.
From Megan Thee Stallion’s bodyguard awkwardly blocking him in Austin to Cara Delevingne’s cold shoulder in Monaco, Brundle has seen it all. But MGK’s air guitar fiasco stands out as one of the most uncomfortable, yet strangely fascinating, moments in recent grid walk history.
A Marketing Masterstroke?
Let’s be honest—this entire situation is marketing gold. Whether planned or spontaneous, the awkwardness between Brundle and MGK has given F1 another talking point ahead of the 2025 season. In an era where viral moments drive engagement, this rivalry (if we can call it that) has inadvertently become part of F1 pop culture.
Fans who wouldn’t typically tune in for a livery reveal event may now do so just to see if Brundle and MGK cross paths again. And with Jack Whitehall on hosting duties, the potential for engineered chaos is sky-high.
Final Thoughts: Will Brundle & MGK Bury the Hatchet?
As F1 75 Live approaches, all eyes are on Martin Brundle and Machine Gun Kelly. Will they avoid each other entirely? Will MGK attempt another air guitar moment? Or will Brundle preemptively strike with his own brand of witty revenge?
One thing is for sure—whether it’s for the love of motorsport or the thrill of viral entertainment, fans will be watching.
So, buckle up. F1 75 Live might just deliver the most unexpected rematch of the season before a single car even hits the track.