Bukayo Saka breaks sacred F1 grid rule, Dan Burn steps up after Nico Rosberg blast

Before every Formula One race, celebrities and VIPs from around the world are invited onto the grid in the moments leading up to lights out – a time-honoured tradition that’s become a key part of race day spectacle.

But with that privilege comes one unwritten (but sacred) rule: if you’re on the grid, you’re expected to speak to reporters when approached.

Not everyone follows that rule – and Arsenal and England star Bukayo Saka was the latest to unintentionally step out of line.

Ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona, Saka was spotted on the grid alongside England teammates Eberechi Eze and Trevoh Chalobah when Sky Sports F1 presenter Simon Lazenby approached him with a simple question: “Who are you supporting today?”

Saka's response? "Not much to say." Lazenby quickly moved on.

But standing nearby was 2016 F1 World Champion Nico Rosberg, who appeared less than impressed by Saka's reluctance to engage.

“That was not very friendly,” Rosberg said, before turning his attention to Newcastle defender Dan Burn, who proved much more talkative.

It’s a good thing Saka didn’t snub Martin Brundle, who usually leads the grid walk and is well known for his witty comebacks. Just ask Pep Guardiola, who gave Brundle the cold shoulder at the 2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, saying he’d already spoken to Sky twice that day.

As security gently escorted Brundle away, he quipped: “It’s okay. I’ve been thrown out of better places than this.”

Classic Brundle – and a reminder that if you’re going to stroll the grid, you better be ready for the mic.

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