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Franco Colapinto has scored five points so far. (AP Photo)
Franco Colapinto was called up last month by Williams as a replacement for Logan Sargeant until the season’s end.
Argentine Formula One racing driver Franco Colapinto comically ignored ex-racer Martin Brundle at the US Grand Prix. Brundle is a former motorsport racer who established himself as a broadcasting legend in the F1 circuit after retirement. He is widely known for his grid walks at premier racing events where he speaks to several celebrities and drivers.
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In one such walk at the US Grand Prix 2024, he was seen approaching Williams driver Colapinto at the race track. But the Argentine did not seem to be in the mood to talk Brundle as he just smiled and walked past him.
Colapinto was walking towards Brundle with an umbrella over his head. The Argentine driver was geared up in his racing outfit. As he walked towards the broadcaster, Brundle could be heard pointing out how they had never met in the past.
Attempting to have a conversation, the former racer said, “Hello – We’ve never actually met. Hello, my name is Martin Brundle, Sky – we haven’t met.”
Colapinto blanked the legend and kept on his walk.
Brundle reacted, “Ah well, I think that is the answer to that.”
The interaction or the lack of it between Brundle and Colapinto has divided the internet.
While many felt that the Argentine acted disrespectfully towards the ex-racer, others suggested that he simply did not want to deal with his antics.
One of them wrote, “Just because of that interaction of lack of [respect], I now dislike Colapinto. You don’t air Martin Brundle, especially as a driver.”
Another agreed and added, “Disappointed to see Franco Colapinto completely ignore Martin Brundle on the grid. Not obliged to speak to him by any means but that was uncalled for.”
A social media user said, “Colapinto ghosting Martin Brundle is blasphemy and you should be deleted from the grid immediately.”
This person defended the racer and wrote, “Everyone jumping Colapinto for not talking to Martin Brundle, y’all did the same for Megan thee Stallion last year…perhaps we should look at the common denominator.”
“They warned him, about Martin,” read another response.
Colapinto is still relatively new to the F1 grid. He was called up only last month by Williams as a replacement for Logan Sargeant until the season’s end.
While Colapinto has impressed in the F1 circuit as a racer, his performances could not win him a seat with the team for 2025 as Carlos Sainz has been signed to partner Alex Albon next year.