BREAKING: Martin Brundle Secretly Dislikes His Famous F1 G… Read more
Martin Brundle Secretly Dislikes His Famous F1 Grid Walk, Son Reveals
Sky Sports F1 legend Martin Brundle may be loved by fans for his iconic pre-race grid walks, but behind the scenes, he’s far less enthusiastic about them. In fact, according to his son, endurance racer Alex Brundle, the former Formula 1 driver “hates” doing them these days.
For over a decade, Martin Brundle’s grid walks have been a staple of Formula 1 coverage. Just minutes before the lights go out, the 65-year-old weaves through the grid, chatting with drivers, team members, and a colourful assortment of celebrities who have been granted last-minute access. The segment is adored by viewers worldwide for its mix of high-pressure interviews, unpredictable encounters, and Brundle’s razor-sharp wit. However, as Alex revealed on the Red Flags Podcast, his father’s personal feelings about the feature don’t match the public excitement.
When asked if his father appears to dislike the job, Alex didn’t hesitate to confirm. “Yeah, he does hate doing it now,” Alex admitted. “I think he’s said it verbatim before. What we both really want to do is be race car drivers forever. The Brundle dream, in some way, is to do 25 laps every day and then come into the pit lane and everyone goes, ‘Brilliant laps, Alex. Brilliant laps, Martin.’”
Brundle’s frustration is perhaps understandable. The grid walk is not just about chatting with friends in the paddock—it often involves chasing down reluctant interviewees and navigating a chaotic environment moments before the start of a race. In recent years, Brundle has found himself in awkward or humorous situations involving big-name celebrities such as singer Mariah Carey, football star Kylian Mbappé, TV personality Jeremy Clarkson, and Hollywood actor Brad Pitt, who is currently working on a Formula 1 film.
These encounters, while entertaining for viewers, can be stressful for the man in the middle of them. Brundle’s no-nonsense approach and willingness to push for answers, even when a guest clearly doesn’t want to talk, have earned him a reputation for being “sassy” on air. Alex confirmed that this characteristic is not just for the cameras. When asked if his father was equally sharp-tongued at home, Alex responded without hesitation: “100 per cent, that is him.”
Before stepping into broadcasting, Martin Brundle enjoyed a successful Formula 1 career. Between 1984 and 1996, he made over 150 Grand Prix starts and secured nine podium finishes. Although he never claimed a race victory, he competed against some of the sport’s greatest drivers, including Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, and Nigel Mansell. His on-track tenacity and deep understanding of the sport made him a natural fit for commentary when he retired from racing.
Since then, Brundle has worked with several major broadcasters, including ITV and the BBC, before joining Sky Sports in 2012. Over the years, his commentary and pre-race features have become must-watch moments for fans, blending expert analysis with dry humour.
Yet despite the fame and fan appreciation that the grid walk has brought him, it appears the veteran broadcaster would still trade it all for one more stint behind the wheel. For Brundle, the thrill of racing laps in a competitive car will always beat chasing celebrities down a noisy F1 starting grid. And while the segment remains a fan favourite, it’s clear that, for the man delivering it, it’s more duty than delight.
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