Cara Delevingne claims she was "told to say no" to an interview with Martin Brundle after snubbing the Sky Sports commentator ahead of Sunday's British Grand Prix.
Brundle was in the midst of his usual pre-race grid walk at Silverstone. As ever the grid was littered with celebrities, many of whom were guests of the teams. Delevingne was among the familiar faces and Brundle approached the supermodel for a chat.
The 30-year-old didn't appear keen on engaging with the former driver turned pundit though, with Brundle joking: "She doesn't want to talk? But everybody has to talk on the grid. That's the deal now, everybody talks on the grid." He then continued: "Can we have a quick chat? Sky F1, good to see you on the grid." After she said "no", Brundle added: "Well the deal is everybody has to speak on the grid, but you know."
Delevingne eventually replied: "I can't hear anything. I'm so sorry." Brundle, who has experienced notable snubs on the grid before, said sarcastically: "Ok, alright, well I'm sure that would have been extremely interesting."
The actress has been defended on social media, with one user accusing the Sky Sports commentator of "just doing it to manufacture the moment for the controversy of it all." Delevingne replied by saying: "I was told to say no so I did. Thank you for seeing both sides xxx"
Celebrities giving interviews - or not - on the Formula 1 grid has become a divisive subject. Some feel as though they should be obliged to engage with the press whilst others have brutally snubbed interviewers.
Brundle's Sky colleague, Karun Chandhok, said: "I honestly think we should have a “chart of rudeness” in F1! Next time, take the grid passes from people who don’t care and give it to some deserving kids who will treasure the experience…."
Max Verstappen ended up winning the Grand Prix to claim his sixth straight victory and further extend his lead at the top of the Championship. Lando Norris, who had qualified second, took the lead on the opening lap and briefly led before he was overtaken by the Dutchman.
Norris ended up finishing in second, his first podium finish of the year with his McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri coming home in fourth. Lewis Hamilton overcame a difficult start to finish in third, briefly challenging Norris for second place in the closing stages before his tyres began to fade.
