Alfa Romeo has hit back at Sky Sports reporter Martin Brundle, stating that “respect goes both ways” after his tense spat with Hollywood actress Cara Delevingne on the British Grand Prix grid walk.
Brundle shared an awkward exchange with the model on Sunday, prompting a social media response from the team.
Delevingne appears to have been present at the British GP as a guest of Alfa Romeo.
The team shared a video of the 30-year-old being shown behind-the-scenes by their staff.
Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies
Taking a fiery dig at Brundle, Alfa Romeo reminded him that nobody should be put in an ‘uncomfortable situation’.
During the grid walk, Brundle attempted to approach Delevingne for an interview but was informed by a member of staff and then by the celebrity herself that she did not want to be interviewed.
However, the 64-year-old journalist continued to persist with his questions and made a sarcastic comment as he walked away.
After Alfa Romeo shared the video of Delevingne’s Formula One race day experience, a fan expressed disappointment in her refusal to engage with Brundle, questioning her identity.
In response, Alfa Romeo defended Delevingne and took a dig at Brundle, stating, “Respect goes both ways: nobody should be placed in an uncomfortable situation or forced to do things against their will.”
The incident has sparked a debate within the F1 community regarding access to the grid.
Some fans and pundits argue that grid walk pass holders should be obliged to make themselves available for media interviews.
However, Delevingne has clarified that she was instructed to refuse an interview with Brundle.
In response to a tweet suggesting that Brundle was manufacturing controversy, Delevingne quote-tweeted and expressed gratitude for those who understand both sides of the debate.
She wrote, “I was told to say no, so I did. Thank you for seeing both sides.”
READ: Max Verstappen thought Red Bull made the wrong decision
Later, Delevingne added, “Anyway, I had so much fun today and was so happy to be there no matter what anyone else may think.”
Her statements indicate that she enjoyed her time at the British Grand Prix despite the controversy surrounding her interaction with Brundle.
The incident involving Brundle and Delevingne has sparked a broader discussion about media access and the autonomy of guests on the grid, with the debate raging on social media days after the race.