Alex Brundle has shared a surprising insight into his father Martin Brundle’s feelings about one of Formula 1’s most beloved TV moments, the ‘grid walk.’ Despite its popularity among fans, the segment where Martin strolls down the front stretch before races, interviewing drivers, team principals, and celebrities, is not something he enjoys. Alex revealed this during a recent episode of the Red Flags Podcast, where he confirmed his father’s apparent disdain for the task.
Alex, who is also an accomplished endurance racer and broadcaster, explained that Martin has expressed frustration with stepping away from racing duties to focus on television hosting.
“Yeah, he does hate doing it now,”
Alex admitted.
“I think he’s said it verbatim before, what we both want to do is be race car drivers forever.”
Living the Racing Dream Beyond Broadcasting
Both father and son share a passion rooted firmly in racing itself. Alex described their ideal scenario as one focused purely on competing on track:
“The Brundle dream, in some way, is to do 25 laps every day and then come in the pit lane and everyone goes, ‘Brilliant laps Alex, brilliant laps Martin.’”
This highlights their desire for the thrill of driving to remain central in their lives, rather than being behind the microphone or camera.
Martin Brundle’s Unique Broadcast Style and Personality
Martin Brundle is widely recognized for his distinctive approach to interviewing, which has generated numerous memorable moments involving a diverse range of personalities, from musician Mariah Carey to football star Kylian Mbappe, TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson, and actor Brad Pitt. Alex was asked if Martin’s on-screen sassiness mirrors his personality at home. He responded straightforwardly,
“100 per cent, that is him.”
Throughout his Formula 1 career, Martin Brundle amassed over 150 starts and scored nine podium finishes before retiring in 1996. Since then, he has become a familiar voice in motorsport broadcasting, working with ITV and BBC before joining Sky Sports in 2012, where he continues to share his expertise with fans worldwide.
The Lasting Impact of Martin Brundle’s Career and Persona
Martin Brundle’s grid walk has become a staple of F1 race weekends, offering exclusive access and candid moments that bring fans closer to the sport’s drama and personalities. Yet Alex’s revelation adds a deeper layer, showing the tension between Brundle’s love for racing and his broadcasting role. This insight may lead viewers to appreciate the dedication behind the camera and the sacrifices made even by celebrated media figures who remain connected to the racing world.
As Alex and Martin Brundle continue their respective journeys in racing and broadcasting, their shared passion for the sport will undoubtedly keep influencing F1’s narrative in the years to come.