Martin Brundle podcast, in association with Mercedes-Benz

Former F1 racer and sports car champion Martin Brundle discusses modern Formula 1, the new breed of superstars, sustainability of Grand Prix racing, the halo, plus he looks back on some of his memories from his career.
For more details about the Grand Prix Trust, visit: www.grandprixtrust.com/

[@lukenuske4394]

You're a legend, Martin. Your no-nonsense commentary for Sky has me on the edge of my seat every time you open your mouth. Actually Mate, 'commentary' is far too rudimentary to describe your on-screen craft! It's more like 'articulate assessment and advice'. My selfish ambition for you is to have you stick around at Sky for far longer than you would probably consider. That said, after your time at Sky, I would love to see you working in a role alongside, and eventually becoming the succession plan of Ross Brawn. Everything you say about the direction, both technical and political, of Formula 1 is so accurately hit on dead-centre of the proverbial nail that, honestly, if Liberty Media don't see your immense asset-worthiness, then certainly the inevitable online petitions will have all and sundry convinced that you should be instated into such a role. Regardless, I wish you and your family every blessing and success.

[@aloysiusdevadanderabercrom6401]

Agreed. Brundle was and is awesome. True racer, and so very smart. High racing IQ.

[@aloysiusdevadanderabercrom6401]

@R R thank you for your great in- depth, insight...... fuckin pleb.

[@fredherfst8148]

Luke Nuske ..love MB.. It MUST be said!

[@BrendanP]

Martin Brundle is one of the legendary F1 commentators. Great interview!

[@mrwhiteshorts]

I cant believe this video only has 748 likes. What an hour and a quarter of gold. :) Thanks Martin.

[@headcrab980]

3 years later, the halo has more than redeemed itself. It even looks OK nowadays in my opinion

[@7732147]

Absolutely goddamned right.

[@A.Santos1]

Several times a legend of Brazilian automotive journalism, Edgard Mello Filho, and his partner in a podcast have already said that Martin is the best F1 commentator today. I couldn't agree more.

[@andromedazoowitski5903]

Nice placement of the magazine over Martins shoulder of the Silk Cut Jaguar he won Le Mans with. Nicely done.

[@Belgian-Motorsport]

That's the car from 1991. Martin in 1990 with a white/purple XJR-12.

[@heliumtrophy]

Nice to hear Martin without Crofty butting in (come on, Sky, do the decent thing) - the man has a wealth of knowledge, is passionate about the sport and is articulate about in what he says. I can't argue on any of his points.....if anything I would've liked to hear a little bit more on Stefan Bellof but that's just me.

[@Ducksauce33]

I agree they should dump Crofty for David Hobbs. It would also be cool to hear more about them IROC races with Earnhardt, and Waltrip.

[@oliverhwd]

I could listen to Martin all day long. What a great fella. So many great stories. Never mind Motor Sport. He’s a British sporting Legend. He’s done Murray Walker proud too.

[@nicomal8975]

Really enjoyed that pod cast. Martin is very knowledgeable about motor sport and I've always been a big fan of his. Always love his F1 grid walks and he's a fantastic commentator.

[@darmstrong66]

Love to see and hear the stories from yesteryear. A true professional. Loved his 'Emo' impersonation.

[@danielbrazil4683]

So strange to see martin talk about the halo like this in hindsight

[@Ducksauce33]

Martin's my third favorite racing commentator of all time only behind Jacky, and Hobbs. All three are former drivers. I'm American I don't know if David Hobbs is a very well known commentator in the UK. Edit: Sorry fourth I forgot "Uncle Bobby" Unser he's up there with Jacky.

[@SmashGhost]

More of these, please. More Martin, more stories, more drivers, more techs.

[@jraybay]

SmashGhost yes

[@southpaw786]

Martin Brundle is a great human being, as well as the best commentator of any sport today.

[@Pyrope78]

Thank you all, that was fabulous. One of the most illuminating and engaging interviews I've seen in a long while.

[@AdzSONLINE]

Listening to Brundle slate the Halo is painful after Grosjean's Bahrain crash. I know he's changed his view now though which is nice

[@gearsau]

Brilliant podcast. Best ever, IMO. All the best from Down Under.

[@oddsandwindsocks5905]

Lovely bloke Martin is ,and a joy to listen to. I went to school with his nephew Mark back in early 80s

[@rashadarbab2769]

Watching this back after a few years idk it seems like the halo has become a basic thing like seatbelts and bag tanks. Romain grosjean is definitely happy about the halo otherwise it would have been his head hitting that guard rail. Even this year (2021) max's wheel probably would have hit lewis' head if the halo wasn't there.

[@neelaghera6211]

I think Martin hit the nail on the head with Fernando Alonso at the end. Shame his career is ending like this. One of the biggest underachievers in f1 for me even thought he has 2 world championships. He could have done so much more if he had PROPER guidance.

[@samuelalix7208]

Emerson Fittipaldi, I feel, could have gone on to win more world championships if he would not have changed teams to launch his own.

[@antonmothes3160]

Feel the same with Heinz-Harald Frenzten.. he was so underrated&could never really show his whole potential in f1.. Should have gotten in a better cockpit than arrows, winfield williams or jordan.

[@Kf1rr]

Its funny you say Jordan, but lets not forget Frenzten fight for championship in that Jordan in 1999,P3 overall after Hakkinen and Irvine was incredible result ,so 100% agree ,he was stunning driver...

[@RawLu.]

Halo = Political Correctness Insanity in a Bubbled Wrapped World... Pathetic...

[@adampetten5349]

Christopher Robin Garrish His teammates won all of one race....Schumacher that hack in the 1992 Benetton😂

[@yokoyamataichi1785]

Martin "Your line through Stowe didn't work in the secound part of the race, did it?" Senna "I don't know I didn't try, it was too wet" CLASSIC SENNA

[@shanemolloy2824]

Alex is a fine racing driver and damn good commentator too. I'd like to have a few beers and a chat with the two of them.

[@ashleycoles4690]

I wonder what Martin would say about the Halo now that we’ve seen it save multiple driver lives (potentially!)?

[@blacktoothfox677]

Right. I despised the halo, until I watched maxs right rear spinning on Lewis'. People seemed not to acknowledge that would definitely have killed Hamilton at Monza 2021.

[@anusername8350]

@@blacktoothfox677 and it saved Grosjean. And Charles

[@jraybay]

Martin spot on as usual. Top stuff

[@davedink5247]

fantastic video. always like martin's no nonsense way of looking at things

[@walkermorgan1710]

As an American I really love how he said Michigan

[@g.p.880]

How do u not have more subs :) great interviewer. Thank you

[@Barry_Mmm]

Love the Dale Earnhardt anecdote.

[@oliverhwd]

Nobody trash talks like those Yanks

[@jmen4071]

Martin, you will never bore me with a story about Senna; actually, I wanted to hear more about Ayrton from a man who raced against him.

[@MagicAyrtonforever]

This was incredible.. Wonderful Martin Brundle :)

[@jraybay]

Fantastic interview. Great job guys

[@Formula1Madx]

The Halo has *literally* just saved Romain Grosjeans life. I think Martin is an underrated driver & a great commentator but *PLEASE* admit that on this occasion, your opinion about the Halo was just plain wrong.

[@SUSYQ509]

You re right. They made the grand national safer. Seeing horses die didnt make it more fun same with motor racing IMO.

[@furyofbongos]

Nothing better than hearing stories like this!

[@VolleyballExplained]

I would ask Martin if he changed his opinion on the halo issue after Spa 2018 (Leclerc). :)

[@PointNemo9]

No

[@TheSupradude26]

After the Grojean crash he has. He most likely would have been decapitated without the halo.

[@philrobertson647]

Very interesting.. really enjoy these drill down interviews

[@largeadam]

Two years later, I wonder what Martin's opinion of the halo is now. I, too, thought it was ugly then, but barely notice it now. There is no question, it has saved lives and/or severe head injuries. How do the current F1 drivers, like Max Verstappen, feel about the device today?

[@jonhill3328]

Enjoyed that, thank you

[@jamesmiller3142]

It's cool that you shortened your intros

[@QOTSAPT]

About the Halo, the halo and the run-off or whatnot shouldn't be blamed for the problem. The problem is that driving an f1 car is risk free, no one makes mistakes no drivers spins, there's nothing at stake. The risk is what we want, not the danger, it's not about risking life's it's risking results.

[@marcuscopley6929]

Matin is spot on in regards to the halo it is the thin edge of the wedge drivers surely need an element of danger and take that into account in there calculations on wether a move is viable or a certain speed is viable if dangers are completely removed we will end up with cars that can out perform the ability of humans and we will be asking the question are they needed as part of the package. I think maybe an enclosed cockpit maybe a more pleasing solution

[@Formula1Madx]

It just saved Romain Grosjeans life rendering your dislike of it completely pointless.

[@uweclaunitzer7170]

@@Formula1Madx Did it? I mean, if those cars weren't as safe as they actually are, would he have taken such risks? Certainly no.

[@onepairofhands]

great interview

[@mrrolandlawrence]

everyone loves a good eddie jordan story!

[@davebeech983]

Great show enjoyed every second

[@taustapiru]

Super interesting as always. Thank you.

[@apophisstr6719]

The Halo thing really is an interesting thing in the sport, I've completely gotten used to it so aesthetically saying it's not an issue anymore. But then there's the safety vs charm of being a dangerous sport thing. On one side I don't like seeing people getting injure or death, but the danger part really is what made old F1 as a sport so special, the view changed from drivers back in the days being hero to nowadays just another sportsman, not saying they're not equally brilliance, but something really feels missing with all the safety in place.

[@Formula1Madx]

"something feels missing with all the safety in place" Well the Halo has just saved Romain Grosjean from being decapitated. If you find that is part of the excitement of the sport then please, go & watch something else.

[@geoffdunstan8567]

Another great interview, what a great service you're bringing to motor sport (particularly F1) followers. Can't believe you only have 6.4K subscribed. Need to get the word out more somehow. best regards, Geoff from south coast New South Wales AU

[@jraybay]

Geoff Dunstan yes

[@SeanR1974]

I've got this playing in the background, and Simon sounds like Lemmy...

[@alungrant3025]

In 2020 where everyone is politically aware, Martin Brundle is a breath of fresh air!!!

[@spideog7799]

Martin is a class act

[@MartinBaldock]

Really enjoyed this, thankyou

[@nopantseddie3748]

I respect Martin Brudle and consider him to be the most eloquent comment or on F1 ever, however, I wonder whether he still feels as strongly about the halo today. It hasn't detracted from the racing; the last couple of seasons have been some of the best racing ever. And arguably the halo has saved one or two drivers from serious injury or death. The worst thing about the halo is that it is now used to display distracting graphics for onboard shots.

[@PointNemo9]

I agree with the halo but the racing has been rubbish

[@w4lsh]

What bell ends actually downvoted this?!

[@Jackbyrne77]

Totally agree with Martin’s comments on the halo. For me the problems that are spoken of by Martin are the very reasons why the halo was never created earlier. Unlike other safety devices in Formula 1 the level to which the halo can be viewed as ‘innovative’ is very low. The risk it seeks to eradicate (wheel in the cockpit) has always existed and the solution to put a cage around the driver was always available, but never moved because it creates the very problems we see now. Knowing this, wheel tethers were invented. A device that is eternally more difficult and expensive to develop but ensures the legitimacy/credibility/identity of the sport is maintained. The halo is a lazy ‘cheat’ on an unwritten rule that has existed in the sport since its inception in that ‘you don’t close/incase the cockpit’. The pursuit for safety was always going to get to this point of ‘what is too much’ and sadly the powers that be have not had the foresight to consider ‘why this was not tried 30 years ago?’, had they done so, the reasons would’ve started to emerge very quickly and none of them would’ve been ‘we didn’t have the technology’. Unlike football, Formula 1’s support isn’t tribal, if people don’t like it, they don’t have the same sense of loyalty/responsibility to simply ride it out, they will attend a different sport and save money doing it. So I agree with Martin when he thinks the sport may not survive this change. Liberty have invested enough money in the sport and have clearly shown an acknowledgement and respect for the currency of F1’s 68-year history for someone to acknowledge that this is not good for anyone. For any driver that supports the halo, they need to understand that the sport itself is bigger than they are, and that if they can’t drive the car without the halo, there are hundreds of drivers paying a fortune to be in the queue to take their seat. One of the greatest assets of Formula 1 is the ability to change the playing field, to spice it up, shift the goal posts, someone at Liberty needs to have the courage to change it back and then prepare in 2021 to change it for the better. The sport depends upon it. Well done @MBrundleF1 maintain the rage!! #nohalo

[@neilhaughey6869]

I agree 100%. The ideal technical solution today is basically an LMP-1 car, bin F1 and replace with a pure LMP-1 championship for single driver races of GP length. Of course this could never happen but as soon as one starts closing the cockpit of an open cockpit car it makes the historical differentiation between proto cars and open cockpit single seaters look like exactly that, a purely historical difference.

[@davidorama6690]

Brilliant interview.

[@enzoma7253]

brilliant interview

[@andrewharper4296]

Great Video, many thanks.

[@marks.17]

The halo comment is out dated. I'm sure with the crashes in resent years, Martin sees it differently. Max hitting the wall at 51 g's would agree more run off is needed.

[@cryonicbonkers7880]

I love Martin wat a legend

[@Tracertme]

Martin your so right, I have followed and attended various GP since 79, I was actually on the pit wall during the race at Kyalami in 79 my first ever GP , yesterday I cancelled my Sky subscription ( only had it for F1 ) because the sport is now so sanitised, and I am bored with one manufacturer winning for 4=6 years followed by another... I am sorry to say the glory days are gone... the aero era has killed racing combined with big money... dominating who gets what and how the next rules will be adopted.... I know it's complicated, but right now F1 killed itself. PS. I won't walk away completely I just won't watch every race...and thank you for all your contributions behind the wheel and otherwise..... I am a die hard fan for life who can no longer tolerate the painful spectacle.

[@techtipsuk]

Top bloke is Martin, nearly always agree with him on F1. He’s bang on regarding the pathetic monstrosity that is the halo. Only the safety first PC brigade want it. The “if it saves a single drivers life” BS

[@Formula1Madx]

Well it saved Charles Leclerc from serious injury (or worse) 2 days ago so it's already proved it's worth 👍

[@karlzosel1464]

I guess Martin's view on the halo will be different now...

[@garrybroadbent8297]

Great interview.

[@LordInter]

so funny when he goes to the Merc garage and has to get a second hand one 😂

[@jondobbs]

Podcasts are great and this one was really good. As they say on the BBC, other car manufactures are available 😜

[@bertjilk3456]

What rubbish about the halo. There have been some MONUMENTAL accidents involving closed cockpit cars for years (V8 Supercars, Nascar, Le Mans: you name it). I think there's still plenty of risk involved.

[@GregBrownsWorldORacing]

M. Marquez is unconventional F1 ladder, but I'd wager he could drive that second Red Bull to the top and do it quicker than Checko. (if Checo can). Marquez doesn't lift off the throttle if the rear end breaks loose (neither does Max0 . Hailwood never adjusted to F1 but Surtees became a world Champ. Both those boys were multi time IOM TT Winners. Marquez has had the IOM TT HALO applied to his career. If you can lap the field@ BRNO, you can likely win the TT. Bike racers get close but seldom intentionally crash. Not slamming Checo, But he's lost his fear of making contact in an F1 racer (unless it's Lance). Same rules will apply @ RedBull. After he nudges Max out of the way twice... Guess who is going back to Mexico.??. Anyway Brundle, you Rock!

[@cryonicbonkers7880]

For me it’s like wit the introduction of the halo don’t u think the driver will rely on it too much to the extent that they push without care and a collision can be caused for example rugby vs American football.in rugby if u come in aggressive for a tackle the risk of hurting urself is high which then regulates the heavy tackles in American football head injuries are much greater than rugby because the player goes in without care due to helmets and shoulder pads yet the damage output is huge I believe the halo is just Ike this

[@jamesyang16]

thank you for this

[@gearsau]

Great podcast. Unfortunately, nothing has changed in F1 in 2018 and 2019.

[@Planetdune]

Martin sounds different ?

[@Thegreat772]

I know you might as well have open wheeled lmp1 cars for f1.

[@simonscottdotcom]

Great video thank you

[@Tj930]

Changed his opinion about halos 😇

[@davidtx8777]

Nearly 10 podiums in F1, what a slightly above average "legend" he is.

[@Shiggiesmalls02]

hes a legend for what he did in and out of the sport think of him as our Earnhardt jr

[@TheSupradude26]

How many guys have around 150 F1 starts, "nearly 10 podiums," a Lemans victory, a world sports car championship etc, plus are widely regarded as one of the best motorsports TV commentators after retiring from driving??? Pretty sure you cant name any others..

[@winniedhaliwal6116]

Is it OK to be quite in love with Martin Brundle? 🥰

[@radomiriz]

Could they not have been given clip-on microphones? By the way, great chat. Thanks.

[@Neat22]

Hi there. I'm Alan, the chap that records these podcasts. As they are primarily podcasts, (i.e. audio content) that we happen also to film, my primary concern is good sound. They are being recorded in an office environment, and as such, there is much background noise with phones ringing, doorbells going off, and the rooms don't have perfect acoustics for recording anyway. Lavalier mics would look great on the video, but it would be far harder to achieve a sound even close to the sound quality from these Sennheiser handheld mics. I do also have a full set of broadcast quality Sennheiser lavalier mics, but elect to use the handhelds. I do hope this helps explain the mystery!

[@radomiriz]

Alan Hyde Haha, yes. Thank you. It just looks a bit odd. Ultimately though I'm not in position to complain as these are free to watch... and entertaining!

[@danamaxwell5875]

thank bro.

[@RRacingMTSP]

How brilliant is MB.

[@thomascornish8045]

Comments about the halo didn't age well. . .

[@cyvidz3350]

Obviously, the halo will do very little to protect the driver from smaller objects. Look what happened to Massa. Would have been better off just using some type of wind screen/wind shield.

[@Elfwald]

Well that's my plans for the morning ruined.

[@stinkbandit]

45:34 So, we're all going to ignore what just happened?

[@MrNurdiboy]

Fascinating stuff guys! More of the same please:-) now subscribed!

[@meshplates]

when seat belts and helmets were introduced, did people say the same about them at that time as they do now about halos now?

[@LesterBrunt1983]

so if open cockpit is too dangerous and therefor needs to be changed what is the argument to keep open wheels? The crashes caused by open wheels killed a lot of people. The argument that it would save lives applies exactly the same.

[@francf4840]

Once cars (and racing) becomes autonomous what the hell will be the point anymore?

[@installwebercarburetorsona6159]

good stuff

[@karamazovbrothers1]

Brundle's views on the halo proved to be incorrect after Leclerc's accident at Spa.

[@PointNemo9]

Just because a driver might've died doesn't mean he was wrong

[@Formula1Madx]

@@PointNemo9 of course it meant he was wrong. It just undoubtedly saved Romain Grosjeans life.

[@PointNemo9]

@@Formula1Madx So what if he died? Would you rather have one driver die every 10 years or a completely neutered and boring sport? I didn't much F1 since 2017 and haven't watch a full season since 2010. Boring garbage.

[@Formula1Madx]

@@PointNemo9 Well if you don't like watching it I'd recommend you go & watch something else. Without the halo Romain Grosjean would be dead. No other words are needed, the debate is over.

[@PointNemo9]

@@Formula1Madx If F1 is too dangerous to run properly then just stop the whole circus altogether. I haven't watched F1 in years, no need to tell me to watch something else lol.

[@ciaronsmith4995]

Alonso got what he deserved. Remember he lucked into 2005. Kimi deserved that one.

[@justchigs]

Ciaron Smith and he cheated in 2008 , got butthurt when a rookie outclassed him in 2007 , loves team orders

[@ciaronsmith4995]

Yes. Cheated in 2006 too when he slowed down on purpose in Hungary 2006 qualifying to make MSC pass him under yellows. This led to a grid penalty for MSC. Then he said F1 was not a sport at Monza that year. The guy has too much baggage. Every year there is some controversy. Team orders 2010, team radio with Honda etc etc.

[@chrisclarke3880]

Kimi lucked into it in 2007.

[@ciaronsmith4995]

No he did not. Raikkonen dominated the second half of the season and won 6 races to everyone else's 4. He also had two mechanical failures on his car, while Alonso and Hamilton suffered none but they crashed and retired at Fuji and China respectively. Kimi was head and shoulders clear of anybody else once the setup was sorted.

[@MagicAyrtonforever]

No he wasn't - Alonso caused so much trouble in Mclaren, they had Spygate to deal with. Lewis would have won it that year, were it not for team orders in favour of Alonso.

[@iiphase]

Comment on Verstappen at 1:07:42

[@douglas2437]

After grosjean it's so obvious the halo was the right thing. Imagine losing a life of a driver for a small aesthetic element.

[@oftengone]

I am largely fine with the halo, I just truly miss clearly seeing the drivers look to apex. My main problem is that the circuits are like parking lots. Too much runoff. These drivers should be on the limit and should be punished for going over it...

[@colonelclaw]

Agreed with pretty much everything Martin said, particularly about the Halo and Alonso

[@sketchmanmediauk4347]

It’s called evolution !!

[@jasongillard6185]

Must say the Halo isn't pretty. Accidents like Justin Wilson & Henry Surtees drove the concept. So have to be positive. Not sure if it would of helped Jules. The Jules accident did drive the Virtual Safety Car that is now in force to slow the cars down with Marshal & machinery on track.

[@mrwhiteshorts]

I rarely disagree with Mr Brundle, and i agree with him again. Even in the first 8 mins he speaks complete sense. Why doesnt the FIA listen to him?

[@Formula1Madx]

Because you & Mr Brundle have been proved to be wrong. Thank god they didn't listen to him.

[@Steinstra-vj7wl]

Look, its like this. If a cord dancer in a Circus walked just inches above the ground...nobody come watching. That is the direction F1 go's...and it kills the Sport.

[@Formula1Madx]

Look, it's like this. Literally millions of people love to watch soccer matches every weekend. Sport doesn't have to be dangerous to be exciting.

[@rogercammack6685]

get some mic stands

[@garylgray2060]

If superkart racers can go 100 mph plus without a roll bar , these F1 drivers can grow some balls and ditch the freeking halo.

[@Mpayne1472]

I honestly think F1 has lost its way. I was at Silverstone from the late 80’s through to about 2010. I haven’t been back. The cars sound crap There’s too much tech. Everything has gone a bit too corporate. We used to have a massive tyre test session at Silverstone that was very inexpensive to go to. Unless you’re rich and famous you can’t access the centre of the circuit anymore. Plus you can’t watch it for free either. I watch McLaren’s unboxed series and that’s about it. The Merc domination it flipping boring too.

[@oftengone]

Sad that F1 is not free to watch.