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Fans of the pre-race grid walk were left feeling let down during the Mexico City Grand Prix coverage as the usual host of the legendary segment was missing. Martin Brundle , who most notably adored for his Sky Sports segments where he strolls up and down the grid interviewing a range of Formula 1 personalities and other celebrities, was not present. However, Brundle doesn't cover every race in a season, meaning there are some races where others step in to fill his shoes. The Mexico event was one such occasion where Brundle was absent, leaving fans who tune in for his typically chaotic and entertaining celebrity chats feeling disappointed. With 24 rounds per year in F1, it's a demanding schedule for most. In fact, Brundle's punditry contract with Sky allows him eight race weekends off per season, with the former F1 racer only required to travel for 16 of those 24 events. Sky rotates their punditry team throughout the season, which sometimes results in more than one familiar face being absent. In Mexico, not only was Brundle off duty, but pit lane reporter Ted Kravitz was also missing, having announced on air after last Sunday's United States Grand Prix that he wouldn't be making the trip to Mexico City. Stepping into Brundle's shoes, presenter Rachel Brookes and pundit Karun Chandhok took over for that part of their build-up show. Viewers were quick to take to social media to react to the absence of the fans' favourite segment. One fan penned: "F1 without Martin Brundle is like pizza without cheese." Another quipped: "Martin Brundle not doing grid walks should be considered criminal by the way." And a third queried: "Where's Martin Brundle on the grid? Missing his punditry." Brundle was on duty in Austin last weekend but, again, left fans divided by a format change which saw Hollywood actor Glen Powell join him for the first half of his live segment. Some said they were "really enjoying" the introduction of someone well-known for Brundle to speak to, rather than his usual solo effort, while others felt it "completely ruined" the grid walk. But those who have missed him in Mexico this weekend should rest easy in the knowledge that Brundle is expected to be back on duty at the Brazilian Grand Prix in two weeks' time.
