Max Verstappen ran the risk of a fine before the first race of the 2024 F1 season got underway by almost showing up late for the opening ceremony and national anthem at the Bahrain Grand Prix. But the panicked Dutchman showed his true colours in a brief exchange with Sky Sports’ Martin Brundle during the latter’s ever-popular grid walk.
Verstappen entered the new campaign as the firm favourite to win a fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship despite Red Bull’s off-track drama surrounding team principal Christian Horner.
He flaunted his credentials in Bahrain qualifying, securing pole position ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Mercedes’ George Russell.
But Saturday’s race almost came with early controversy as Verstappen was the final driver to line up for the opening ceremony and national anthem in the Middle East.
At the end of Brundle’s grid walk, he was hoping to catch up with the Red Bull star but couldn’t see him standing alongside his fellow drivers.
He was then informed that Verstappen was making his way through the sea of celebrities, F1 fans and key figures crowding on the grid.
“He must be due on the grid by now, actually, Max. I’m surprised he’s not. If he does show up, he’ll be…,” Brundle said before stopping in his tracks.
The 26-year-old suddenly emerged, running past Brundle with a rushed look on his face as the Sky Sports presenter aimed to get his attention.
Brundle asked Verstappen if he was “all good”, which prompted a thumbs-up from the reigning world champion and an inaudible question towards the former in response.
“Top man, yeah, I’m very good, thank you,” Brundle replied before Verstappen approached and asked: “Are you good? Are you good, yeah?”
Brundle reiterated that he was “fantastic” and thanked Verstappen, who produced a smile as he hurried into formation.
The exchange left Brundle in high spirits, praising the F1 top dog for “risking a fine” by kindly asking if he was okay ahead of the 2024 opener.
F1 fans missed the Sky Sports man’s grid walks throughout the close season, and his first one of the new campaign didn’t disappoint.
Brundle had chats with a host of high-profile names, including Jeremy Clarkson, driving duo Yuki Tsunoda and Russell, and Manchester United icon Patrice Evra.
The latter, sporting an eye-catching pink suit, left Brundle hanging mid-interview, though, after spotting fellow football superstar Neymar behind him.
