Martin Brundle, former Formula 1 driver and Sky Sports analyst, told Natalie Pinkham on Sky Sports F1 that the grid-walk segment began at the 1997 British Grand Prix at Silverstone while he was working for ITV and that Rubens Barrichello was his first interviewee.
Brundle said ITV producers suggested he "walk down the grid and say what you see," and he began the first grid walk by sitting on the track to show a driver's point of view while cameraman Keith filmed over his shoulder.
Brundle recounted that cars used to drive onto the grid and that Niki Lauda would sometimes freewheel through, a practice he described as terrifying, so teams now bring cars onto the grid on trolleys for safety.
The grid walk became a fan-favourite for Brundle's impromptu interviews and sharp remarks, and he said drivers initially sought him out but now often ignore him during pre-race preparations.
This report is based on information originally published by Motorsport.
Read the full article at Motorsport.
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