Marco Materazzi may rate himself as one of football’s greatest-ever wind-up merchant, but it was his turn to feel the pain on the Formula 1 grid.
A 2010 European treble winner with Inter Milan, the former defender will always be remembered for his provocation in the 2006 World Cup final.
Materazzi famously goaded the legendary Zinedine Zidane with a comment about his mother, and received an almighty headbutt which got the France legend sent off in his final match.
Italy would go on to win the final, and Materazzi would retire with the two biggest honours in the game.
You’d think that would be enough for him to be unforgettable, but not in F1.
The Italian was attending the 2022 Australian Grand Prix with Ferrari, the team of his country, and he was beside pole-sitter Charles Leclerc when he was approached by one of F1’s most familiar faces.
Former racer and gridwalk icon Martin Brundle managed to find the lofty defender, and got off to a poor start when he said: “Are you Marco Marriachi? Matatzi? How are you?”
The 51-year-old’s head snapped back in disappointment, but he answered: “Fine and you? I’m so happy for him [pointing at Leclerc].”
Brundle tried again, but didn’t do any better, saying: “So you’re a big Ferrari fan obviously, and Inter Milan was it, I’m not a very big football man but…” before Materazzi interjected “You like football?”
Things then got even worse when the former driver responded: “I do, but not enough to… no Italy in the World Cup this year? Sorry to hear that.”
Materazzi was again in disarray as he looked to the skies and said: “Oh come on, we speak about Formula 1.”
Realising it was time to give up, the experienced pundit said “I know, let’s do that, but good to see you, and enjoy your Formula 1 and good to see you on the grid.”
Then running for cover, Brundle used some classic British self-deprecating sarcasm, saying: “Well, that went well didn’t it?”
It didn’t, but at least he didn’t get a headbutt.
Despite the pre-race drama, Materazzi had plenty to smile about during the Grand Prix as his Ferrari took the win.
Leclerc converted pole position for the second time that season, taking a considerable lead in the drivers’ championship over Max Verstappen.
It looked like the Monegasque would end Ferrari’s wait for a first title since 2007, but as things progressed Verstappen was untouchable and managed to string together 14 more race wins.
Leclerc, meanwhile, only picked up one more, finishing as runner-up by a massive 146 points.
It was another season of pain for Ferrari fans, including Materazzi, but there are signs things are changing after they narrowly missed out on the constructors’ championship in 2024.
Hoping to go again this year, they have the winning experience of Lewis Hamilton on board, meaning Materazzi has a tough choice of horse to back should he appear in Australia again.
