Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has been slammed by Formula 1 fans on social media for ignoring a request for an interview ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix this afternoon.
Saka was in attendance at the Catalunya track with fellow Premier League star Dan Burn and England captain Harry Kane, as well as a handful of other international teammates. National team boss Thomas Tuchel had taken the entire squad to Spain to watch the race in a team bonding session, with places reserved on the grid for players to get up close and personal with drivers and their cars.
These famous faces are often spoken to on the grid by Martin Brundle or, in this case, one of his Sky colleagues. And, while Kane and Burn, when approached by Simon Lazenby, who was filling in for Brundle for the pre-race grid walk, were more than happy to speak with the Sky Sports pundit, Saka ignorantly waved Lazenby away.
Saka's response has drawn ire on social media, with comments on X such as: "Saka is an arrogant little p**** then. What a surprise."
Bukayo Saka's Actions at Spanish Grand Prix
While guests on the grid are not forced to speak to broadcasters, it is generally expected that they offer a few words if approached. But Saka, there along with his England teammates ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Andorra, clearly didn't get that memo.
Harry Kane Did Speak to Sky Sports Ahead of the Race
Kane, unlike his England teammate, was happy to talk to Sky
"I’m looking forward to the race," Kane said. "This is the first Grand Prix I’ve been to. I’m looking forward to it. I watch the F1 as much as I can. A few of the English guys are doing well this season, so I’m looking forward to seeing them.
"I love Lando. He’s been doing great this year and obviously has a great chance of winning the championship. So, I hope he’s going to get himself in front today. Then, of course, George and Lewis [Hamilton] as well – it would be good to see them all on the podium."
Lazenby moved on from Kane to Saka and asked the Gunners man who he was supporting in the race, but Saka replied, "Not much to say" and awkwardly tried to brush off any conversation.
Nico Rosberg, meanwhile, who had been conducting the grid walk with Lazenby in the absence of Brundle, later commented: "Not very friendly was it," in regards to the chat with Saka.
Yuki Tsunoda Related
Red Bull Choose 'Hottest Candidate' to Replace Yuki Tsunoda
Red Bull have reportedly already identified a replacement for Yuki Tsunoda, as he continues to struggle in the second seat.