F1 fans fume as Sky Sports pundit Martin Brundle is denied Monaco GP grid interview with Bridgerton star Simone Ashley

FORMULA ONE fans were left furious after Bridgerton star Simone Ashley refused an interview with Sky Sports pundit Martin Brundle at the Monaco Grand Prix.

Brundle's pre-race grid walks have become a cult phenomenon in recent times as he attempts to grab famous faces for a quick word.

Earlier this season he mistook basketballer Paolo Banchero for NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes - a moment which lead to a social media meltdown.

And the former racing driver was keen to grab Ashley for a chat less than half an hour before lights out in Monte Carlo.

But he had no success with the Netflix star.

As he approached Ashley, her security guard stepped in to tell ' Brundle: “She doesn’t want to do any TV.”

Brundle then swiftly responded: "She doesn't want to do any TV? Well we are kind of halfway there already.

"It’s so good to see her on the grid. I’m not going to push but I’d like to have a chat with you."

Brundle was denied once more, before he sarcastically quipped: "That’s fine, whatever.”

Reacting to the altercation, one social media user said: "Simone Ashley seems like a fun person 🙄."

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While another added: ";Ouch, Simone Ashley missing one of the points of being in Monaco on the F1 grid.

"Martin Brundle is an institution. Love to Patrick Dempsey for the respect shown."

And a third said: "Simone Ashley saying she doesn't want to be on TV while standing on the F1 grid is so odd.

"You're in Monaco at a high profile event as a high profile person.

"Avoiding cameras is like trying to avoid raindrops in a thunderstorm. Don't get annoyed when you get wet."

Despite failing to secure an interview with Ashley, Brundle did manage to speak to actors Patrick Dempsey and Kit Harington.

F1 fans were then forced to wait an extra hour for the start of the Monaco GP as heavy rain saw the race suspended until just after 3pm BST.