Sky Sports F1 reporter Ted Kravitz is used to accessing all areas at a Grand Prix - unless he's in Singapore it seems.
The veteran pitlane reporter has become synonymous with the sport's coverage, updating fans during Grand Prix weekends and promptly interviewing drivers after qualifying sessions and races. And after Saturday's dramatic Q3 at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, he seemed set to provide his customary round-up.
He started his post-qualifying Notebook programme as normal, reviewing the chaotic afternoon from near one of the interview pens. Pole-sitter Charles Leclerc was speaking with another broadcaster nearby when Kravitz, 48, was suddenly interrupted by an official.
With the camera fixed on Leclerc, Kravitz was heard protesting “what, hello” before asking the official “are you chucking us out?” Footage then shows the official smugly replying “I am” as a shocked Kravitz reluctantly leaves the area.
The former BBC and ITV man continued to seek an explanation on his way out though, and appeared to receive a less than satisfactory response. Eventually, he said to his team: “Oh right, sorry everyone” before continuing with the programme elsewhere.
He then asked his cameraman “don’t we normally do that in the [media] pen? Maybe there’s been a misunderstanding.” Regardless, officials seemed to care little about Kravtiz' popular status amongst F1 drivers and fans.
It proved a turbulent weekend for the F1 reporter. On Sunday, he was barely able to shield himself from the torrential wind and rain as he informed viewers the start of the Grand Prix has been delayed by adverse weather.
When the action did eventually get underway, it was Red Bull's Sergio Perez who won a thrilling night race, holding off Leclerc in a tense finish. Lewis Hamilton was ninth after careering into a barrier during the race.
Max Verstappen could only finish seventh, meaning his world title celebrations are delayed until next Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix at least. However, a shadow hangs over his Red Bull team, amid allegations they exceeded the budget cap in 2021.
