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George Russell joked that he felt ‘left out’ by Martin Brundle this season after the pair spoke during the legendary broadcaster’s grid walk segment ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.<\/p>\n
Russell was the final subject of what was a subdued final grid walk of the 2023 season, taking the time to chat with the Sky Sports F1 reporter while he and the rest of the drivers waited for the national anthem to round off the pre-race proceedings.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“Don’t really know what to expect,\u201d Russell told Brundle when asked for a preview of his race. \u201cI’m sure Lewis will be coming through as well, so it’s going to be exciting. I realise you’ve not spoken to me all season. I feel left out! I always see the memes on YouTube of you speaking to everyone.”<\/p>\n
Brundle was taken aback by Russell\u2019s disappointment, responding: \u201cI\u2019m really sorry about that.\u201d There was, however, a happy ending to the conversation with the Mercedes driver promising to make some more appearances on the grid walk in 2024.<\/p>\n
Click here to join our WhatsApp community to be the first to receive breaking and exclusive F1 news.<\/strong><\/p>\n Don’t miss… <\/strong> Lando Norris slams \u2018terrible\u2019 FIA change after latest Abu Dhabi GP controversy[LATEST] <\/strong><\/p>\n While Russell didn\u2019t know what to expect from his evening ahead of the pre-race ceremony, there was plenty to be impressed with during the opening stint. The Mercedes driver had dropped behind McLaren driver Lando Norris after the opening lap but was running in third place by the time his first stint was over.<\/p>\n There was also tempered positivity ahead of the race from Charles Leclerc. The Monegasque driver was another to stop for a chat with Brundle on the grid as he previewed the battle with Mercedes for second in the Constructors\u2019 Championship standings.<\/p>\n “We know Mercedes has been very strong all weekend,\u201d Leclerc told Brundle. \u201cThey didn’t put everything together in quali. Today is going to be a big challenge, but I will give it everything.”<\/p>\n More F1… <\/strong>
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Ted Kravitz accused of \u2018supporting Mercedes’ in awkward altercation on live TV[DRAMA] <\/strong><\/p>\n\n