Brundle awarded OBE in King’s New Year’s honours

Sky Formula 1 pundit and former grand prix driver Martin Brundle has been awarded an OBE in the King’s New Year’s Honours for 2025.

The Briton, who competed in 158 F1 races before moving into a broadcasting role, was bestowed the accolade for services to motor racing and sports broadcasting.

It comes off the back of an ultra-successful spell in front of the television cameras, where he has worked as an F1 commentator and analyst for ITV, BBC and most recently Sky.

His abilities have been well recognised, with Brundle having won multiple RTS Television Sports Awards for best Sports Pundit.

The 65-year-old is perhaps most famously known for his pre-race grid walks, where he broadcasts live and unrehearsed during the build-up to grands prix as he tries to speak to drivers, team personnel and celebrities.

Brundle’s OBE has been hugely welcomed by senior figures within F1 and motor racing.

The 1996 F1 world champion Damon Hill, who recently departed Sky’s F1 presenting team after working alongside Brundle since 2012, posted on X: “Much deserved honour for the Bard of Kings Lynn.

“If anyone thinks talking is easy, I’ll challenge them to do what Martin has done for our sport. Like the proverbial Swan, he retains perfect posture when all around are flapping ducks. Happy New season Martin Brundle OBE.”

Karun Chandhok, who also works alongside Brundle on Sky, also posted his congratulations on X, as he compared his brilliance to that of legendary F1 designer Adrian Newey.

“I often describe him as the ‘Adrian Newey of commentary’,” wrote Chandhok. “Worked through so many eras of the sport & always makes sure he’s absolutely at the forefront of knowledge, delivering every time. Been an honour & pleasure to learn from him.”

While Brundle never secured a victory in an F1 race, he won the World Sportscar Championship in 1988 with Jaguar, and triumphed for the British manufacturer at the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1990.

His F1 career stretched from 1984 until 1996. He made his debut with Tyrrell, and then enjoyed spells with Zakspeed, Williams, Brabham, Benetton, Ligier, McLaren and Jordan.

Beyond his work for Sky, Brundle is also known for his efforts as the chairman of the Grand Prix Trust, which helps provide advice and support for past and present F1 personnel, as well as helping the next generation of talent come through.

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