Bukayo Saka comes under fire from F1 champion for blanking Sky Sports interview: 'Not friendly'

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Fintan Starkey

By Fintan Starkey


Published: 02/06/2025

- 10:36

Several members of the England squad were present at the Spanish Grand Prix at the weekend

Arsenal's Bukayo Saka proved reluctant to engage with Sky Sports presenters during the pre-race grid walk at the Spanish Grand Prix.

When approached by presenter Simon Lazenby alongside former Formula 1 world champion Nico Rosberg, the England winger repeatedly declined to answer questions.


Asked about his thoughts on the race, Saka simply replied: "I don't like to say."

When Lazenby pressed him on which driver he was supporting, Saka again responded: "I don't like to say," whilst shaking his head.

Bukayo Saka and friends

The Arsenal man was not very talkative with the media

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Rosberg observed the awkward exchange, commenting: "He's not very friendly," before the presenters moved on to speak with Newcastle's Dan Burn, who proved far more accommodating.

The England squad attended the Spanish Grand Prix ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Andorra on 6 June.

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The team's presence at the Catalunya circuit provided contrasting moments for Sky Sports' coverage, with captain Harry Kane offering a stark difference to Saka's reticence.

Kane proved far more engaging when approached by the presenters, telling them: "I'm good, I'm hot, but looking forward to the race, it's my first one. I watch it as much as I can and with a few of the English guys doing well I'm looking forward to seeing it."

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Harry Kane and Nice Rosberg

Harry Kane was soaking in all that F1 had to offer

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Rosberg, a Bayern Munich supporter, thanked Kane for his efforts at the German club before asking who he was supporting in the race.

Kane responded enthusiastically: "That's perfect! I love Lando [Norris] he's been doing great and has got a great chance to win the championship so I'm hoping he can get himself in front today."

The England captain's support for Norris comes as the McLaren driver entered the season as title favourite following a comfortable win in the Australia opener.

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However, Norris currently sits second in the Championship standings despite ending a recent drought with victory in Monaco.

When asked if he had advice for Norris, who Rosberg described as being "a little bit mentally shaky", Kane drew on his own experience with pressure situations.

"For him it's all about preparation," Kane said. "I'm sure he's prepared to the best of his ability."

Lewis Hamilton and Harry Kane

Harry Kane met multiple drivers while on the grid

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The England captain continued: "Then it's just going out there and being free, he knows he can do it, he's won enough already."

Kane's words carry particular weight given his own familiarity with high-pressure situations and recent success, having ended a 15-year trophyless streak by winning the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich in May.