Franco Colapinto speaks out after ignoring Martin Brundle during Sky F1 grid walk

Franco Colapinto has apologised to after ignoring the Sky Sports F1 favourite during his grid walk.

The Argentine produced in Austin. Just before the national anthem was played, the presenter tried to fill the final few seconds of his broadcast by getting a word from Colapinto.

He admitted that he had never spoken to the driver before. And it showed as the 21-year-old took one look at Brundle before walking straight past him and to the front of the grid to be in place for the national anthem.

Some fans on social media were entertained by the snub while others criticised Colapinto for appearing to be rude to the former F1 racer. Ahead of this weekend's , the Williams driver was given the chance to explain his side of the story.

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Quizzed on the matter, he said: "There is not much of a story. He never did any interview to me and it was, at least for me, not a great moment to be speaking in the camera. I was going to the national anthem and I was very late and I was focused on the race, I was focused on driving and I was just fully into that.

"I did not want to speak too much - I love speaking now and when I jump out of the car, but when I am in racing mode I try to be a bit more into my role and not to be giving interviews. That is it.

"I do not have much experience on this, of having to go to the grid then waiting there for 30 minutes, jumping out of the car, walking around the paddock and everyone wanted to make new interviews. Martin, of course, he has been an extremely massive, mega, mega, mega driver and he left a legacy in the sport as well."

Colapinto, who has raced just four times in F1 having been promoted to replace in August, also got the chance to speak with Brundle who he told: "Good to meet you, it is a pleasure to be talking to you. I am very sorry for what happened - just before the race starts, I am not used to speaking.

"Actually before the race starts in F2 we are still sitting in the car. And then suddenly in F1, we get 30 minutes, we jumped out of the car, everyone wants to interview you and I am a bit in a bubble. It was only my fourth race and it is a bit tricky but, yes, I am sorry for that."

Brundle held nothing against the young Argentine and even gave him some advice on how to avoid being collared for a chat on future grid walks. He told Colapinto: "When you have got your race head on, just put your hand up and I will not bother you, no problem at all."