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Martin Brundle gatecrashes Virgil van Dijk interview in hilarious Formula 1 Monaco GP moment

Sky Sports F1's Martin Brundle and a Dutch interviewer fight to get a word with Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk
-Credit: (Image: Screenshot: X: @SkySportsF1)


Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is usually most comfortable in the centre of defence, but today was at the centre of an interviewing tussle involving Martin Brundle at the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix.

The Reds' season ended last Sunday with a 2-0 victory against Wolves, and with a brief period of time before the European Championships in Germany begin next month, footballers are squeezing in holidays and leisure activities.

Van Dijk has chosen to start his summer as one of many celebrity guests enjoying an exhilarating event in Monte Carlo, as F1 returns to the tight streets of the Principality of Monaco. On Saturday he had been spotted enjoying personal time with fellow Dutchman and current world champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull fame.

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As is commonplace within the sport, the starting grid opens for drivers, cars, team members and famous folk within 40 minutes of the race's start. It is here that Sky Sports' Martin Brundle carries out some of his best work - especially at this coveted circuit - as he attempts to traverse the crowded Boulevard Albert 1er, and in 2024's race led to a brilliant exchange involving the Reds' No.4:

Approaching the defender on his grid walk, Brundle was initially politely asked to wait a moment to allow Van Dijk to pose for a photograph. In the meantime he grabbed US actress Alexandra Daddario for a chat, and upon turning around had discovered he had been overtaken by a Dutch interviewer.

"Sorry, I'm in the queue. I'm in the queue, like the cheese counter," the ex-driver proclaimed, prompting a chuckle from the Liverpool man.

Brundle offered to conduct a joint interview to appease his fellow interviewer, though then found out he had planned to conduct his for a Dutch-speaking audience. "A quick word, and then I'll get out of your way," he concluded.

Finally asked about his first time on the grid at an F1 Grand Prix, Van Dijk said: "It's a really nice experience. It was always going to be a special experience coming here because of this whole event - I'm very happy to be here. The weather helps a lot and the attention down here, I don't know how they [the drivers] cope with it. Not even an hour before the race, it's crazy. Massive respect."

Unfortunately for Van Dijk and the rest of the famous racegoers, the Monaco GP was red flagged within the opening lap as Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz suffered a puncture, the two drivers of Alpine - the team invested in by Trent Alexander-Arnold - tangled, and there was a three-car collision at the back of the pack.