Ozzy Osbourne dies: the heavy metal legend who brought chaos to Formula 1

Ozzy Osbourne has passed away, marking the end of an era in heavy metal music. The world of Formula 1 also remembers him, not just as a legendary rock star, but for one of the most chaotic and bizarre gridwalk interviews in the sport’s history, conducted by Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle.

The news of Ozzy Osbourne’s death emerged on the evening of July 22, 2025. The legendary British singer, widely hailed as the “Prince of Darkness” due to his wild and controversial lifestyle, died at the age of 76, just weeks after his farewell concert. The music industry is in mourning, having lost one of its most eccentric and influential figures. Known for his unique voice and theatrical stage presence, Ozzy Osbourne was more than just the former frontman of the iconic heavy metal band Black Sabbath—he was a symbol of rebellion and excess who also had a deep love for Formula 1.

John Michael Osbourne—his full name at birth—was not only a rock icon but also a long-time fan of the Formula 1 World Championship. For fans of earlier eras of the sport, particularly from the 1990s and 2000s, Ozzy Osbourne was a familiar face on the starting grids. Even back then, the pre-race grid areas were filled with VIPs, celebrities, and journalists from across the globe, all gathering to witness the greatest show in motorsport. Among them, Ozzy stood out for his unmistakable look and unpredictable behavior.

One of his most memorable moments in Formula 1 took place at the 2003 Canadian Grand Prix, held at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal. Moments before the race began, Martin Brundle—who was then conducting his now-famous gridwalks—approached Ozzy Osbourne for a quick interview. What followed became one of the most surreal and talked-about interviews in Formula 1 broadcast history. The British rockstar answered Brundle’s questions in a chaotic and incomprehensible manner, mumbling and slurring random words in a way that left both fans and commentators puzzled.

Despite the confusion, Martin Brundle tried to maintain his composure and professionalism during the exchange. At one point, visibly at a loss for a proper follow-up question, Brundle quipped sarcastically, “While I think of a better question… how are the dogs?” Ozzy Osbourne’s response quickly went viral and became a cult moment in F1 fandom: “They’re at home s***ting on the carpets.”

That interview clip still circulates widely online and is often included in compilations of the most bizarre Formula 1 moments. It cemented Ozzy Osbourne’s place not only in music history but also in the lighter, more eccentric side of F1 folklore.

Beyond that unforgettable interview, Ozzy Osbourne was a frequent guest in the Formula 1 paddock and enjoyed attending numerous Grand Prix events. He was often photographed alongside influential figures from the F1 world, including Jean Todt, who at the time was the team principal of Scuderia Ferrari, and Flavio Briatore, then the flamboyant boss of the Renault F1 team during their most successful years.

After the 2003 Canadian Grand Prix, some drivers also shared their impressions of meeting Ozzy Osbourne. Colombian driver Juan Pablo Montoya, who was racing for the Williams team at the time, described the encounter in an interview with Rolling Stone magazine. Reflecting on the moment, Montoya said, “He was more on another planet than on this one.” Meanwhile, Scottish driver David Coulthard, who was driving for McLaren-Mercedes in 2003, called Ozzy’s presence in the paddock “like something out of a living horror film.”

Though known first and foremost for his career in music—with timeless hits such as Paranoid and Iron Man—Ozzy Osbourne was also a cultural phenomenon whose reach extended far beyond the stage. His appearances at Formula 1 races, his unfiltered behavior, and his love for fast cars and louder engines made him a beloved oddity in the F1 paddock.

With his passing, both the music world and Formula 1 community lose a larger-than-life character. Ozzy Osbourne may have been unpredictable, eccentric, and often controversial, but he brought an unmistakable energy and raw authenticity wherever he went—including the world’s fastest racing circuits.

Fans of both heavy metal and motorsport will undoubtedly continue to remember him not just for his genre-defining music, but also for his unforgettable appearances on the Formula 1 grid.

Rest in peace, Ozzy Osbourne—the Prince of Darkness, who once turned the calm before a Grand Prix into pure chaos.