F1 reporter cuts interview with ex-NFL star Russell Okung after Bitcoin plug #CriptoNews

During the grid walk at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Formula 1 reporter Martin Brundle experienced a slightly awkward encounter.

While interviewing Russell Okung, the former NFL star’s unexpected plug for Bitcoin compelled ex-driver Brundle to abruptly end the chat. This moment came at the very beginning of Brundle’s grid walk feature in Jeddah.

Brundle also had an awkward moment with Usher on Sunday , as the signer ignored his interview request. Max Verstappen , meanwhile, walked out of an interview with another ex-driver, David Coulthard, after finishing second behind Oscar Piastri .

Immediately after talking to a track marshal, Brundle ran into Okung, who donned a Bitcoin T-shirt. Instead of engaging with Okung, the former Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle flagged down Brundle.

“My man,” he exclaimed to the British commentator, grabbing his attention. The Sky Sports F1 analyst responded warmly: “Russell! How are you?”

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Okung answered cheerfully, “I’m very well. Hey… I’ve got something better for Lando Norris to play for.” Intrigued, Brundle asked: “What is that?” To which the ex-football player declared: “If he wins… full Bitcoin ready for him! Full Bitcoin.”

Caught off guard by this response, Brundle had to terminate the discussion due to Sky’s advertising policies, limply stating: “Ah… well we can’t… we don’t do advertising. Alright, Russell, good to see you.”

Okung appeared to find Brundle’s abrupt exit quite amusing and chuckled heartily before sauntering away. Following the interaction, the UK broadcaster disclosed that they’d met earlier that day in the paddock, just an hour prior.

The 36-year-old has been a Bitcoin advocate since 2019. The ex-offensive tackle even asked for his salary to be paid in Bitcoin later in his career, but his requests were turned down.