10 Minutes With… Martin Brundle
F1's popularity is at an all-time high, Martin. What's driving it?
It's always been a great sport, but Drive to Survive has played a part – I'm not necessarily a huge fan, but that doesn't really matter because it's not aimed at me – then in the pandemic F1 put on 34 races when no other global sport was taking place, which was an incredible thing. The racing itself has also been really good in recent years – really close. That’s all got the flywheel turning, and it will keep turning for a while.
Who would you most like to chat to on a grid walk this year?
Jodie Comer and Cillian Murphy are my two favourite actors. For their pure talent alone, I’d like to have a chat with them. I'd also love to talk to Sir David Attenborough – in his centenary year, that would be something special.
In F1, Brad Pitt plays Sonny Hayes, who races an F1 car in his 60s, having not been in the sport since the 1990s. You retired in 1996. What would happen if you got behind the wheel today?
I know this because I tried it for Sky in Austin last year. I’d last about 15 laps. The cars are unbelievably physical to drive. Even drivers who raced much more recently than me would struggle. Being in decent shape is one thing. Being in race shape is a whole other world of pain.
Max Verstappen has been pretty open about how much he dislikes this season’s rule changes and the new cars they’ve created. If he left the sport, would he be replaceable?
Nobody's irreplaceable. However, Max is a generational talent in the way that Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna were generational talents, and right now I can't point to you and say that a particular person is the next Max Verstappen. Lando Norris, George Russell and Oscar Piastri could grow into that role or maybe there’s someone out there who hasn't even quite made it to F1 yet. But the next generational talent isn't absolutely identified at the moment.
Feels ridiculous to suggest, but is there a sense in which Lewis has something to prove this season?
This sport is hugely competitive, so you've always got something to prove or to confirm. Lewis looks a lot happier with Ferrari this season than last. And whether it’s been McLaren, Mercedes or whoever, a happy Lewis has always been a fast Lewis. Ferrari have been quite innovative over the winter, and I think they're in for a much better season than they've had of late, so I've got strong hopes for Lewis this year.
Even with Leclerc in the other garage?
They are two number-one drivers, really, and Leclerc won't be easy to beat. If Ferrari win the title, it's not a given that Lewis wins the title.
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If you were going to a Grand Prix this season as a spectator, which one would you choose?
Austin, Texas. My advice is always to go to a track that's got a great city nearby – somewhere with culture, great restaurants, fun places to be in the evenings. Austin ticks every box. Budapest works for the same reason.
It’s your day off. What are you driving to the shops?
I'd take my e-bike. Taking a car in London is a misery. If I have to drive, it's a Porsche – either the Cayenne or a 911 GT3. I like the steering, I like the feel, the way they're keyed into the road. But, at 20 miles an hour in London traffic, it might as well be the bike.
Who’s the best driver you've ever seen, Martin?
The greatest I ever raced against was Ayrton Senna. Michael Schumacher was the most complete, and Mika Häkkinen was possibly the outright fastest on any given lap. But the most naturally gifted, the most talented driver was Senna.
And your favourite driver?
Anyone who was slower than me.
Follow @MartinBrundleF1
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