Formula 1’s iconic “grid walk” tradition, led by commentator Martin Brundle, has always brought fans closer to the drivers, teams, and VIPs just minutes before a race. 
However, Brundle shared on the Sky Sports F1 Podcast that connecting with drivers, especially Mercedes stars Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, is becoming increasingly difficult as they dodge the grid in favor of focused pre-race routines.

“A good grid walk adds a little bit of important information about the day, the race, the cars, or one of the drivers,” Brundle explained.

Yet, accessing key drivers like Hamilton and Russell is a growing challenge: “I’m really disappointed if I don’t get to see some drivers, which is getting near impossible actually to find a driver on the grid.” He pointed out that drivers, especially Mercedes teammates, tend to retreat to the garage, noting, “A lot of them, like Lewis and George, go back to the stations in the garage and do a debrief on headphones.”

These final pre-race rituals—hydrating, cooling down, and strategizing with team members—leave many drivers reluctant to interact with media during Brundle’s walk. “They need to go and drink, they need to go to the bathroom, and they don’t want to be bothered,” Brundle added.

With Hamilton set to join Ferrari next season, fans are curious if his grid routine will change under Ferrari’s approach. For now, Hamilton is pushing for a strong finish with Mercedes, who are also shifting focus to their 2025 car.

Despite recent frustrations with the W15’s development, Hamilton remains committed to ending his Mercedes journey on a high. Fans are hopeful he can grab one last podium or even a surprise win before leaving the Silver Arrows for the Scuderia

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