Martin Brundle forced to apologize as he interrupts interview to speak to Virgil van Dijk

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has been getting the VIP treatment at Monaco this weekend. Present in Monte Carlo for the Grand Prix, he has been something of a media attraction himself.

Prior to the race, Van Dijk was snapped around Monaco with world champion Max Verstappen, with the compatriots enjoying a drink together as well as taking a boat ride. Shortly before lights-out, the Liverpool defender ventured onto the grid — and long-time viewers of F1 know that anybody going there is liable to be accosted by Martin Brundle for an interview.

Sure enough, Van Dijk faced a couple of questions, having already fielded queries about Arne Slot earlier in the day. But in the end, it was actually Brundle himself who caused more of a stir with the interaction.

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The Sky F1 veteran appeared to interrupt an interview a Dutch journalist was conducting with Van Dijk. On X, viewers accused Brundle of having 'no concept of boundaries', and 'bullying' his way towards the Liverpool star.

In any case, he got to Van Dijk in the end. As is typically the case with grid interviews, it was pretty standard fare, although the Dutchman had some interesting remarks about pressure in the world of Formula 1 compared to football.

First time on the grid?

"Yeah, it's a really nice experience. Obviously it was always going to be a special experience coming here because it's the whole event but I'm happy to be here."

It's electric isn't it?

"Yes, it is. Obviously the weather helps a lot. I don't know how they (the drivers) cope with all the tension. It's not even an hour before the race — it's crazy. But massive respect."

Brundle could then be heard saying 'sorry about that' to the reporter he had seemingly barged out of the way. Van Dijk soon had to clear off the grid, with the race getting underway shortly afterwards — with Verstappen looking to make up for unusually poor qualifying pace and fight through the pack from sixth.

Trent Alexander-Arnold was also present at the Grand Prix. He is a part owner of Alpine Racing.

Liverpool.com says: The grid is always barely-controlled chaos, but Brundle seemed to recognize that he might have crossed a line. Either way, it was interesting to hear from Van Dijk.

Elite athletes are all used to pressure, but you don't really think about the difference between sports. Something about the atmosphere over an F1 race weekend really impressed itself on Van Dijk, and no doubt Verstappen would be similarly overawed by an Anfield crowd at full volume.