Jeremy Clarkson had a 'few beers' before strange live TV interview

What did you miss?

Jeremy Clarkson made viewers of the Bahrain Grand Prix chuckle when he appeared during the live broadcast for an unusual chat with Martin Brundle of Sky Sports.

Clarkson spoke about his Formula One fandom and his opinions about the season ahead, but viewers couldn't help but notice that everything felt a little weird. A lot of fans quickly concluded that the 63-year-old might have enjoyed some adult beverages during his day in Bahrain.

Who, what and why?

The bizarre interview began when Brundle revealed to the audience that Clarkson had been "engrossed" in the minutiae of Formula One throughout the qualifying in Bahrain. Clarkson admitted he was "boring" and had been poring over lap times, noticing similarities from last year.

"McLaren have gotten a lot better, much closer to Max, and Lewis is an anomaly, but it’s a strange thing to go from one year to the next and for so little to have changed," said Clarkson.

A slightly befuddled Brundle tried to move the conversation on, but Clarkson joked "you weren’t listening to me were you?", adding: "People at home who like the sport will get what I’m saying. It’s a weird year this year, I think."

Clarkson himself confirmed that he'd had a few to drink, responding simply "yup" to one fan who asked "Has @JeremyClarkson had a few beers while on the grid walk?"

Clarkson has a long history as a devoted fan of Formula One and had the honour of waving the chequered flag at the conclusion of the race on Saturday.

What else happened at the Bahrain Grand Prix?

Max Verstappen started the new Formula One season in the same sort of form he ended the last. He won the race from pole position, joined on the podium by Red Bull teammate Sergio Pérez in second and Ferrari's Carlos Sainz in third.

The stars will return to the track next week, jetting over to Jeddah for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Saturday 9 March.

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