Martin Brundle Had No Idea Which Celebs He Was Interviewing During Excruciatingly Awkward Grid Walk

Martin Brundle's pre-race grid walks are sheer box office entertainment – and his latest one at the inaugural Miami Grand Prix was no different.

The Formula 1 great suffered from a case of mistaken identity as he conducted an interview with who he thought was NFL megastar Patrick Mahomes.

It was, in fact, Duke basketball star Paolo Banchero who looked equally as confused as Brundle throughout the entire ordeal.

The hilarious exchange made for spectacularly-awkward viewing.

Martin Brundle in the Multiverse of Madness #MiamiGP pic.twitter.com/LKKCZs3Dm0

— ODDSbible (@ODDSbible) May 8, 2022

"Patrick! Martin Brundle, Formula 1 television in England," Brundle shouted as he tried to get his target's attention among the busy crowd of people.

"I don't think he can hear me up there. Patrick, how are you? Good to see you on the grid here, what do you think of this atmosphere?"

Banchero, clearly caught off guard, then gave a really cringey answer in response to Brundle's question.

"This is crazy, I've never been to an F1 race, it's spectacular," he said.

When asked about being in the thick of the action on the grid, alongside the drivers, Banchero replied: "You ca see they're locked in, it reminds me of myself – the real focus."

That’s not Patrick Mahomes. That’s Paolo Banchero. Awkward… pic.twitter.com/ZkMhfPZG4Q

— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) May 8, 2022

During Banchero's waffling, Brundle either looked down at his name tag or got a message in his earpiece that he wasn't speaking to Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes.

“It’s not Patrick, that’s why he ignored me,” Brundle added

“What is your name, sir?”

To which the towering NBA prospect replied: "Paolo Banchero."

There was an awkward silence as Brundle realised what he'd done.

“Well I thought I was talking to somebody else, I’m sorry about that,” he concluded as the two shook hands.

"Whatever!"

What an absolute legend!

Martin Brundle: “Patrick! Patrick!”

Brundle: “Oh. I thought you were Patrick Mahomes. I’m sorry. What is your name sir?

“Paolo Banchero!”

Brundle: “I’m sorry… well, whatever.”
😂 😂 😂 #F1Miami @SkySportsF1 pic.twitter.com/6DQSaeXpSH

— Charlie Clifford (@cliffWISH8) May 8, 2022

Martin Brundle is a perfect train-wreck. my second hand embarrassment is at an all-time high.

— Mike Golic Jr (@mikegolicjr) May 8, 2022

Announce Martin Brundle knighthood

— Will (@willne) May 8, 2022

Martin Brundle’s F1 grid walk in Miami, where he doesn’t know who anyone is, is incredibly awkward and hysterically funny.

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) May 8, 2022

Loving Martin Brundle on the grid at F1 Miami….absolutely no F**** given!!! “Who are you sir….So you’re not Patrick Mahomes!!” Brilliant!!!!!❤️❤️

— Vernon Kay (@vernonkay) May 8, 2022

Martin Brundle misidentifying Paolo Banchero as Patrick Mahomes is the highlight of this entire weekend. #MiamiGP

— Ben Ames (@BenAmesWx) May 8, 2022

Need Martin Brundle at Super Bowl Media day but don’t tell him who anyone is.

— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) May 8, 2022

The most awkward Martin Brundle grid walk ever 😂😂

— Matt Gallagher (@MattyWTF1) May 8, 2022

Martin Brundle chased down Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes on the F1 grid in Miami for a big interview. Except it isn’t @PatrickMahomes #toecurling pic.twitter.com/EbFKhr92K9

— Simon Clancy (@SiClancy) May 8, 2022

The greatest F1 moment ever? Martin Brundle thinking this guy is @PatrickMahomes 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/rhrminyfa4

— Michael McQuaid (@Michael_NFL) May 8, 2022

Incredibly, things didn't get any less painful for Brundle when he bumped into social media personality Gianluca Vacchi on the grid later on.

"Sir, I don't know who you are, but I'd like to know who you are," Brundle said.

"I'm Martin Brundle from Sky Sports, you look a very interesting character."

Vacchi wasn't particularly welcoming, simply putting his hand on Brundle's shoulder and laughing awkwardly.

"Social media sensation," he replied.

But the quick-witted Brundle responded brilliantly.

"And modest too," he muttered.

Genius.

Thank goodness for British humour. Martin Brundle making the most of this cringe grid walk. #SkyF1 #martinbrundle #MiamiGP pic.twitter.com/Y0W6Jea6U4

— Zach (@hughietheliger) May 8, 2022

Venus Williams said "we are done bruh" 🤣🤣#SkyF1 #MiamiGP pic.twitter.com/SDf2UA9s96

— Jaja (@Jaja_Bred) May 8, 2022

He also mistook tennis player Venus Williams for her sister, calling her "Serena" at one point too.

When footage of Brundle's adventures on the grid emerged on Sky's broadcast, fans wasted no time in flocking to social media to have their say on it all.

Some called it a complete "train wreck" or "car crash" while others praised the former driver.

Either way, this isn't the first time Brundle exchanges with celebrities on the grid have gone viral.

His infamous run-in with rapper Megan Thee Stallion and her bodyguards back in 2021 will live long in the memories of sports fans.