Martin Brundle absence explained as F1 fans make Mexico GP grid walk feelings very clear

Fans of the pre-race grid walk were left disappointed during coverage of the Mexico City Grand Prix as the legendary segment's usual host was absent. Martin Brundle is loved for many reasons but famous most these days for his Sky Sports segments in which he walks up and down the grid interviewing a swathe of Formula 1 personalities and other famous faces.

However, he is not on duty for Sky at every race in a season and so there are some races at which others attempt to do the job. And the Mexico event is one of those at which Brundle is not present, meaning fans tuning in to watch his usually chaotic and entertaining attempts to speak to celebrities were left disappointed.

F1 features 24 rounds per year these days and that is far too demanding for most. Indeed, Brundle's punditry contract with Sky gives him eight race weekends off per season with the former F1 racer only required to travel for 16 of those 24 events.

Sky rotate their punditry team throughout the campaign and sometimes that means more than one familiar face is missing. In Mexico, not only is Brundle not on duty but pit lane reporter Ted Kravitz is absent as well, having announced on air after last Sunday's United States Grand Prix that he was not going to make the trip to Mexico City.

In Brundle's place, presenter Rachel Brookes and pundit Karun Chandhok took over for that portion of their build-up show. And viewers were quick to take to social media to react to the absence of the fans' favourite segment.

One wrote: "F1 without Martin Brundle is like pizza without cheese." Another joked: "Martin Brundle not doing grid walks should be considered criminal by the way." And a third asked: "Where's Martin Brundle on the grid? Missing his punditry."

Brundle was on duty in Austin last weekend but, again, left fans divided by a format change which saw Hollywood actor Glen Powell join him for the first half of his live segment. Some said they were "really enjoying" the introduction of someone well-known for Brundle to speak to, rather than his usual solo effort, while others felt it "completely ruined" the grid walk.

But those who have missed him in Mexico this weekend should rest easy in the knowledge that Brundle is expected to be back on duty at the Brazilian Grand Prix in two weeks' time.