Martin Brundle honored with OBE for contributions to Formula 1 and sports broadcasting
Martin Brundle Awarded OBE for Contributions to Motorsports and Broadcasting
Martin Brundle, a familiar face and voice in the world of Formula 1, has been awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his impactful contributions to motor racing and sports broadcasting. The prestigious accolade was presented by Prince William, the Prince of Wales, during a ceremony at Windsor Castle on Tuesday.
A Career that Revolutionized Formula 1 Broadcasting
The former driver, best known for pioneering the now-iconic F1 pre-race grid walk, has become an irreplaceable presence in Formula 1 broadcasts. His first foray into grid interviews during the 1997 British Grand Prix set the stage for a unique blend of journalism, insight, and unpredictability. Today, dozens of journalists emulate his grid-side approach before grand prix races.
Brundle's grid walk, known for its candid and unscripted moments, has produced a plethora of memorable interactions over the years. From the viral exchange with rapper Megan Thee Stallion at the 2021 U.S. Grand Prix to mistaking NBA star Paolo Banchero for Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes at the 2022 Miami Grand Prix, his off-the-cuff style continues to captivate fans worldwide.
Gratitude for Teamwork and Success
Speaking to Sky Sports News after receiving the award, Brundle expressed his gratitude, emphasizing the teamwork behind his success. “It made me feel very lucky and very privileged because something like this, you receive on behalf of an awful lot of other people—either they were designing and creating and fixing my racing cars or working with us in the broadcasting industry. You can’t do anything on your own at the level of Formula 1," he explained.
The Briton, who enjoyed a dual career as both an F1 driver and broadcaster, was thrilled when he first learned of the honor. “When the letter came through just before Christmas, I was ecstatic.”
The Evolution of the Iconic Grid Walk
Brundle elaborated on the unique format of his grid walks, which have grown into an institution in their own right. “We’re only there to tell the story, the stories about the cars and the drivers, and we’re there to explain what is a fast-moving and highly complex sport. We try to find people, we talk, and I think because it’s a bit edgy and sometimes it fails miserably, I think people are kind of living it, if I’m having a good day or a bad day."
While Brundle has never watched a replay of his decades of grid walks, he credits their success to their ability to capture pre-race energy. "It’s not my natural habitat to run around being cheeky and interrupting people, but it’s sort of grown a life of its own. What it was put in for originally was to ramp up the excitement before the grand prix. The chance to talk to a driver literally before they pull their crash helmets on and zoom down to the first corner is unique in sport.”
A Wave of Congratulations
Brundle’s OBE prompted a wave of congratulations from the Formula 1 world. Mercedes driver George Russell took to social media to acknowledge Brundle’s achievements, writing: “Congrats Martin, well deserved. Best in the business!!”
Brundle’s influence on the sport—first as a driver and then as an ever-curious and charismatic broadcaster—has cemented his legacy in the Formula 1 paddock. Prince William's recognition of Brundle underscores the breadth of his contributions to the world of motorsport, as well as his role as a global ambassador for F1.
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