BREAKING: The Adrian Newey of commentary’

Tributes Pour in for Martin Brundle After OBE Award

Damon Hill, the 1996 Formula 1 World Champion, has led tributes to Martin Brundle following the Sky Sports F1 commentator’s recognition in the UK’s New Year’s Honours list. Brundle, a former F1 driver and now a prominent figure in sports broadcasting, was awarded an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to motor racing and sports commentary.

Brundle’s career in Formula 1 spanned 158 grand prix starts, making him a respected figure in the sport before he retired at the end of the 1996 season. Since then, he has become the face of Formula 1 coverage in the UK, having worked with ITV, the BBC, and now Sky F1. Known for his insightful commentary and his famous grid walks, where he interviews drivers, officials, and celebrities just before the start of each race, Brundle has become an iconic voice in F1 broadcasting.

Damon Hill, who recently parted ways with Sky F1 after a 12-year stint, was among the first to congratulate Brundle on social media. Hill shared an image of Brundle walking through the paddock on Instagram, writing, “Well earned,” accompanied by applause emojis. He later took to Twitter to express his admiration further, calling Brundle the “Bard of Kings Lynn” and highlighting the difficulty of excelling in commentary. Hill praised Brundle’s calm demeanor, comparing him to a graceful swan amidst flapping ducks, and wished him a successful 2024 season with his new title of Martin Brundle OBE.

Brundle’s OBE is the fourth-highest honour available in the British Honours system, following the Companion of Honour, a knighthood, and the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire). This recognition comes a year after Red Bull team principal Christian Horner received a CBE, and Brundle’s former McLaren boss, Ron Dennis, was knighted in the 2023 New Year’s Honours list.

Alex Brundle, Martin’s son and fellow Sky F1 pundit, also paid tribute to his father. On Twitter, he congratulated him while drawing attention to his charitable work with the Grand Prix Trust, an organization that supports former members of the F1 community. Alex emphasized that while his father is known for his broadcasting work, few are aware of his ongoing charitable efforts. “Richly deserved dad,” he wrote.

Karun Chandhok, another Sky F1 commentator, also lauded Brundle’s achievements. Chandhok likened Brundle to Adrian Newey, the legendary F1 car designer, for his ability to stay at the forefront of the sport through multiple eras. “He always delivers 100 per cent every time,” Chandhok wrote, adding that it has been an honor and a pleasure to learn from Brundle over the years.

The 65-year-old commentator’s award highlights his immense contribution to Formula 1, both as a driver and a broadcaster. Over the decades, Brundle has not only provided expert analysis but has also become a beloved figure among fans and within the F1 community. His unique ability to blend technical insight with a light-hearted approach during his grid walks has made him a standout personality in the sport.

As Brundle continues to bring F1 closer to fans around the world, the recognition of his work through the OBE solidifies his status as one of the most influential figures in sports broadcasting. His commitment to the sport, coupled with his charitable work, has earned him widespread respect and admiration from colleagues, fans, and his family alike.