02 March 2024 , 16:17
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The 2024 Formula 1 season is underway, and that means the sight of celebrities and athletes on the grid before the opening lap.
F1 fans have long been used to pundit and former driver Martin Brundle encountering some big names during his grid walk. Last year that meant the likes of Hollywood star Brad Pitt, while this year the season opener in Bahrain saw Neymar and Patrice Evra in attendance.
Former Manchester United and France defender Evra has moved into football punditry since hanging up his boots in 2019, while Neymar - currently playing his club football with Al-Hilal - is working his way back from long-term injury. With neither having any on-field responsibilities, they were able to take in some other sporting action in Sakhir.
Brundle wasted little time getting Evra's attention for an interview after spotting the 42-year-old. However, it soon became clear he would play second fiddle to Neymar.
After being asked by Brundle how he's doing, Evra replies: "Very good, I'm still alive!". Brundle then complements the former left-back on his suit, with Evra admitting "My wife hates it but I love it".
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Evra then begins to explain his enthusiasm for the Bahrain Grand Prix, only to be distracted when he catches sight of Neymar out of the corner of his eye. He apologises to Brundle before embracing the Brazilian, while the interviewer moves away to allow the pair to have what he terms a "football love-in".
It wasn't the first time Neymar has been in attendance at a grand prix of late. Last year, the former Paris Saint-Germain star was spotted on the edge of the grass on the main straight when the cars went about their formation lap before the 2023 Spanish Grand Prix, prompting questions about track access for famous faces and guests of honour.
Did you enjoy Martin Brundle's interview with Patrice Evra? Let us know in the comments section
Evra moved away from Brundle to greet Neymar (Twitter/SkySportsF1)"We must take learnings from the incident at the Spanish Grand Prix," FIA president Mohamed Bin Sulayem said after that 2023 incident. "The FIA has been assured by [Formula 1 chief] Stefano Domenicali that measures are being taken to ensure that there is no repeat of the incident.
"It is an issue not just in Formula 1 but also in Formula E and World Endurance Championship and other categories from my recent experiences with too many people on the grid at some events.
"I have no doubt that in all cases, the promoter will adhere to the FIA requirements on safety and security. It is the duty of the FIA to ensure a safe environment for all. Safety in motorsport is the Federation's main priority."
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