Brundle was coming to the end of his usual pre-race grid walk when he reached a roped-off section at the front of the starting grid which was only open to selected VIPs.
Among them was tennis legend Roger Federer, who had been one of Brundle’s targets from a list of attending VIPs.
Brundle happened to come across Stewart, who with his Swiss connections knows Federer well. The three-time world champion agreed to duck under the rope and ask 20-time Grand Slam winner to come over and talk to Brundle.
However, security personnel decided that Stewart shouldn’t be there and appeared to be ready to throw him out before he was able to get Federer's attention and escort him across to Brundle.
The incident has gone viral on social media, with some observers suggesting that the treatment of one of F1’s living legends reflects the championship’s move from its roots to cultivating showbiz connections.
“What a legend, 83 years old,” said Brundle on the Sky Sports F1 podcast. “I happened [to come] across him at the front of that rope.
“It was like trying to get into a dodgy nightclub, wasn't it? The pair of us, we had no chance, we had the wrong dress code or something.
“I find that whole procedure a little bit weird on the grid. There were so many people around, and I particularly wanted to talk to Roger as I got to the front there.
“I just happened to say that to Jackie, and he was like, 'do you want to talk to him then?' And I said ‘Yeah.’ ‘Well, I'll get him, I'll get him.’
Source: Autosport