Why Is Sky Sports F1 Legend Martin Brundle Absent from the I… read more
Martin Brundle, the beloved Sky Sports F1 pundit and former Formula 1 driver, is notably absent from this weekend’s Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola. Known for his insightful commentary and his iconic pre-race grid walks, Brundle’s absence has been a point of curiosity for fans tuning in to the coverage.
This weekend’s Sky Sports F1 broadcast from Imola features a slightly different lineup. Instead of Brundle’s familiar voice and presence, the commentary team includes Natalie Pinkham, Jacques Villeneuve, Jamie Chadwick, Bernie Collins, Ted Kravitz, Anthony Davidson, and Harry Benjamin. The latter, Benjamin, is also stepping in for lead commentator David Croft, who is missing this weekend as part of a pre-planned break. Croft, affectionately known as “Crofty,” is skipping three races this season, and the Imola GP is one of those.
However, it’s Brundle’s absence that has sparked more questions. Over the years, Brundle has become a cherished figure within the F1 community. His grid walks — a blend of quick interviews, light-hearted banter, and on-the-spot analysis — have become a ritual that fans look forward to ahead of every race. Brundle’s unique blend of experience, humor, and candor brings a refreshing touch to the often intense world of Formula 1.
So why isn’t he in Italy this weekend?
The answer lies in the increasingly demanding nature of the modern F1 calendar. With the sport now comprising a record 24 race weekends, Sky Sports has adjusted its coverage plans to ensure the well-being of its pundits and commentators. Brundle, now 65, is not contracted to attend every Grand Prix this season. Instead, he is set to miss around eight races throughout the 2025 campaign — and the Imola GP happens to be one of them.
Given the travel requirements and relentless pace of the F1 calendar, it’s understandable that some senior members of the broadcasting team, including Brundle, are scaling back their commitments. After decades of service to the sport both on and off the track, Brundle is taking well-earned breaks without stepping away from the sport entirely. His absence, while noticeable, is part of a wider strategy to balance workload and maintain quality.
Adding to his recent schedule, Brundle was at Windsor Castle earlier this week, where he was honored with an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by the Prince of Wales. The award recognized his outstanding services to motor racing and sports broadcasting. This prestigious acknowledgment marks another high point in Brundle’s illustrious career, both as a driver and as a broadcaster.
Brundle’s legacy in the sport is well-established. Before his broadcasting fame, he was a competitive Formula 1 driver, making 158 Grand Prix starts during the 1980s and 1990s. He raced for teams including Tyrrell, Benetton, and McLaren, going up against legendary figures such as Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher. Though he never won a race, his reputation as a skilled and resilient driver earned him respect across the paddock.
He transitioned into broadcasting in the mid-1990s, first joining ITV’s F1 coverage where he introduced the now-famous grid walk at the 1997 British Grand Prix. That blend of on-the-ground reporting, humor, and fearless questioning made him a fan favorite. Over the years, he carried the grid walk concept with him as he moved through the BBC and ultimately to Sky Sports F1, where he’s remained a central figure since 2012.
While fans will undoubtedly miss Brundle’s presence in Imola, Sky’s coverage continues with a strong and capable team. The grid walk is expected to be handled by other presenters such as Natalie Pinkham, ensuring the tradition continues even in Brundle’s absence. Fortunately, this is only a temporary break, and fans can expect his return at future race weekends this season.
Brundle’s contribution to Formula 1, both on track and behind the microphone, is immeasurable. As the sport evolves and expands, it’s only natural that some adjustments are made to ensure longevity and sustainability for the sport’s key voices. This weekend may feel different without him, but his legacy remains firmly entrenched in the heart of F1 coverage — and his return will be welcomed with the usual fanfare when he’s next back on the grid.
