Karun Chandhok has called for grid passes to be removed from "people who don't care" after Cara Delevingne's Martin Brundle snub.
Delevingne, a Hollywood star and model, refused to talk to Sky Sports reporter Brundle during his gird walk ahead of Sunday's British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Celebrities who are granted access to the grid on race days usually speak to the media.
Fans were furious with Delevingne, who claimed she was "told to say no" to the interview. Brundle is one of Formula One's most beloved stars after a long career as a driver and reporter, which shows a lack of knowledge in the sport from Delevingne.
Brundle's Sky Sports colleague Chandhok, who competed in F1 between 2010 and 2011, has called upon Formula One Management (FOM), which is responsible for issuing grid passes, to take action against celebrities who show a lack of respect for the sport. Sunday was not the first time a celebrity has refused to interact with Brundle.
Chandhok tweeted on Sunday: "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 some deserving kids who will treasure the experience."
The row started after Delevingne avoided Brundle. As the reporter approached the actor, he joked: "Cara Delevingne's here, we'll see if we can just stand in the way."
Delevingne's security guard told Brundle she "doesn't want to talk" to him, to which he replied: "But everybody needs to talk on the grid. That's the deal now, everybody talks on the grid. [To Delevingne] Can we have a quick chat? Sky F1. Good to see you on the grid!"
Delevingne said "no" and shook her head before claiming she couldn't "hear anything" and telling Brundle she's "so sorry". Brundle then sarcastically said: "Alright, well, I'm sure it would've been extremely interesting."
Brundle was praised for his sarcastic response to Delevingne's snub, while she was criticised. The Suicide Squad star took to social media on Sunday evening to defender her actions. She tweeted: "I was told to say no so I did."
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Delevingne doubled down on her stance by retweeting a post that claimed Brundle was "just as rude, if not more so". She added: "Anyway, I had so much fun today and was happy to be there no matter what anyone else may think."
Although Delevingne refused to speak to Brundle, fellow Hollywood star Florence Pugh, One Direction icon Liam Payne, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola and Eurovision hero Sam Ryder were all happy to speak to Brundle. Ryder even called Brundle a "legend".
Brundle's grid walk is an important aspect of Sky Sports' F1 coverage and takes place before every race. Oscar winner Brad Pitt, who is filming an F1-inspired movie, spoke to Brundle for several minutes ahead of the race and even offered him a cameo in the film. Yet Pitt was criticised for refusing to speak to Brundle at last year's United States Grand Prix.
An earlier version of this article incorrectly implied that the FIA is responsible for deciding who is and isn't allowed to be on the grid prior to an F1 race. This has now been changed and Mirror Sport apologises for the error.
