Martin Brundle ‘clause’ explained after Kim Kardashian breaks unspoken F1 rule at the Monaco Grand Prix
Social media users all over are only just realising what the Martin Brundle 'clause' is after Kim Kardashian sparked fury over an unspoken F1 rule break.
For anyone not in the know, Sky Sports F1 commentator's infamous Formula 1 grid walks are a staple of every Grand Prix weekend, but one awkward encounter with the reality TV star at the Monaco Grand Prix over the weekend (7 June) has reignited debate around the unusual rule that has become known as the 'Brundle clause'.
Brundle found himself snubbed by Kardashian during his traditional pre-race grid walk, prompting criticism from fans and renewed interest in the rule introduced following another high-profile celebrity encounter a few years back.
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Brundle was making his way through the packed grid when he approached Kardashian, who was joined by her sister, Khloé Kardashian.
After introducing himself, Brundle asked Kardashian, who is dating F1 star Lewis Hamilton: "How are you today?"
Kardashian briefly looked in his direction before turning away, while members of her security team stood nearby.
A security guard then appeared to step between the pair, prompting Brundle to respond: "You don’t need to push me, mate."
Attempting to engage her once more, Brundle asked: "Normally, people will have a quick chat with us. Are you enjoying F1?"
After receiving no response, he moved on, telling viewers: "Okay, Kim and Khloé, so we’re not talking today. I like to believe they might do..."
The moment quickly spread across social media, with many Formula 1 fans accusing Kardashian of showing disrespect towards one of the sport’s most recognisable figures.
One TikTok user wrote: "Lewis should have had a word with his Mrs and tell her, 'Don’t ignore Martin. Lewis knows the score'."
Another added: "So rude, Martin is part of F1 shows she is there for her own gain."
A third commented: "Oh no, I thought I liked her until this. He's the legend here."
The so-called 'Brundle clause' was coined after Brundle's widely publicised run-in with rapper Megan Thee Stallion during the 2021 United States Grand Prix.
During that grid walk, Brundle attempted to interview the rapper, asking: "Megan, you’re a freestyle rapper, have you got any rap about Formula 1 for us?"
She ignored the questions before a bodyguard intervened and physically blocked Brundle's path.
Reflecting on the incident later, Brundle revealed Formula 1 had introduced measures designed to prevent similar situations from occurring.
"There have been new rules introduced that any celebrities on the grid must not have bodyguards any longer," he explained to Sky Sports F1 at the time. "It must be the 'Brundle clause', and they’re obliged to talk to me. I sort of like it if they ignore me, to be honest."
Following the race, he wrote that special guests should 'learn some manners and respect on our patch' when attending Formula 1 events.
The former F1 driver, who competed in 158 Grands Prix between 1984 and 1996, has never hidden his views on celebrities who appear on the grid without a genuine interest in the sport.
"I like to call out some of the celebs that I think are just using the grid a little bit, if I’m honest," Brundle told the broadcaster’s F1 channel. "They don’t really have a passion. I know there are millions of fans at home going, 'I should be on that grid. I’m a massive Formula 1 fan, not them'."
Tyla has reached out to Kim Kardashian's representatives for comment.
Topics: Celebrity, Kim Kardashian, Sex and Relationships, Sport
Rhiannon Ingle