Fears for Martin Brundle’s future on Sky Sports as pundit tips iconic reporter to follow F1 legend out the door
MARTIN BRUNDLE could be the next pundit dropped from Sky Sports F1 after Damon Hill’s exit.
That is the view of Johnny Herbert, who himself was dropped by the broadcaster in 2022.
Three-time Formula One race winner Herbert, 60, joined at the same time as 1996 world champion Damon Hill.
However, it was announced last week that Hill would be departing Sky Sports F1 at the end of the season.
Brundle was among those to pay a touching tribute to the 64-year-old, writing on social media: “Damon I’ve had the pleasure and privilege of both racing against you and commentating on you in F1, working alongside you on SkyF1, and decades of friendship.
“It’s been a blast, with much more to come.”
But Herbert reckons it may soon be the likes of 65-year-old Brundle or even commentator David Croft who are next shown the exit door.
Although he also believes that Hill’s criticism of Red Bull driver Max Verstappen was also a factor in the decision.
Speaking to FlashscoreUSA.com, Herbert said: “I don’t know whether it was [Hill’s] decision or Sky’s, to be honest.
“Was it an enjoyment factor? Potentially. I know he got criticism for the Max scenarios and maybe he felt, ‘You know what, I don’t need that.’
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“There is change going on. If he was pushed, then you wonder what could happen to Martin Brundle and David Croft.”
Before the Brazil GP, Hill had accused Verstappen of “using dangerous tactics” to race and using fear and intimidation by using his car as a weapon.
Referring to Verstappen’s double run in with Lando Norris at the Mexico Grand Prix, Hill had said: “The second move was just daft and Dick Dastardly stuff.
“He accelerated to the apex and drove Lando off the track and Lando didn’t have much option. That was silly driving.”
Hill then doubled-down on his thoughts on Sky Sports before Brazil, adding: “Yes, I do. I think that he [Verstappen] is using fear and intimidation.
“I think he also has explained a little bit more about his tactics, which has been that he regards it as a gamble.
“Sometimes it may pay off and sometimes he may get the better of the stewards, they might not apply a penalty.
“But he’s also using it as a way of compromising the title contender in Lando Norris.
“So, there’s some logic, there’s some method, to his angriness, if you want to call it that, on the track.
“He, as he says, he knows what he’s doing, but is it right and is it fair? And I think there’s also rules…. to ensure fairness, and we shouldn’t be condoning driving cars off the track.”
Herbert claims Hill was left “unhappy” with the backlash he received for voicing his views on Verstappen.
He added: “He was very unhappy at the crazy level of abuse he got over his Max comments.
“Maybe all that negativity made him decide.”
Announcing his exit, Hill said: “It’s been a fantastic 13 years with Sky Sports F1 but all good things come to an end.
“I will miss the most impressive bunch of professionals it has ever been my pleasure to have worked with. Looking forward to new challenges.”
The F1 title looks set to be wrapped up by the Dutchman in Las Vegas as he only needs to better the score of McLaren‘s Norris by three points to secure a fourth title in a row.
Verstappen took almost complete control of the title race after a brilliant recovery drive around a wet Brazil circuit as he raced from P17 to finish first, while Norris only finished P6 after starting on pole.
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