Martin Brundle has been a mainstay in Formula 1 broadcasting for the last thirty years, and his grid walk has become renowned since he started at the British Grand Prix in 1997.
The former F1 driver has become known for some of the awkward exchanges with celebrity guests on the grid before a race, which is often an activity hotspot just minutes before the start of a race.
F1 is unique in that it enables members of the TV media to talk to drivers right before they jump into the car for the start, although Brundle rarely talks to Lewis Hamilton because he likes to go back into his team’s garage for a debrief.
Brundle was awarded four times by BAFTA in 1998, 1999, 2005, and 2006 for his F1 commentary and three times by the Royal Television Society for his F1 punditry. Now, the 65-year-old has been recognised by King Charles III in the yearly honours list, which features several other sporting personalities.
Martin Brundle made OBE in King Charles III honours list
Brundle has been made Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the 2025 New Years Honours list, for services to motor racing and sports broadcasting.
Known for his knowledge and analysis of F1, Brundle was previously a driver before becoming a mainstay in sports broadcasting. He made his F1 world championship debut in 1984 and raced alongside some of the greats, including being partnered with Michael Schumacher at Benetton in 1992.
After achieving nine podiums in 158 race starts, he is regarded one of the best drivers never to win a Grand Prix. His exploits in broadcasting have now earned him one of the top honours in the UK awarded by the Royal Family.
Fans have reacted to it on social media, with one claiming that Brundle is the “Best F1 presenter IMO” and that the award is “Thoroughly deserved!” on Instagram.
Another fan said: “Well deserved and well overdue. You can put Martin along side the late Murray walker he’s voice in F1 has been there for a long time. Love his knowledge insights during the racing weekend.”
Another fan simply said “fabulous” while one fan claimed: “Well deserved! He’s bumped F1 up a notch since he started broadcasting.”
This fan praised Brundle for his ability to bring his knowledge to broadcasting: “Fully deserved! A true professional on the track that has taken his knowledge to broadcasting and commentary as well.” Another fan said: “It should be “SIR” Martin Brundle!”
One fan took to X (formerly Twitter) to refer back to his old commentary partner Murray Walker: “Well done to Martin Brundle who has received an OBE for services to motor racing and to sports broadcasting. Murray would be proud of you.”
Martin Brundle receives an award that Murray Walker never had
Brundle has commentated alongside several broadcasters throughout his time including James Allen at ITV, Jonathan Legard at BBC, and David Croft at Sky Sports.
He was even the lead commentator alongside David Coulthard for the 2011 season on BBC, however, he would later go on to return to the co-commentator role when Sky acquired the exclusive rights to show every race live on TV from 2012.
By far his most legendary partnership was with Murray Walker, who became the ‘voice of F1’ when commentating on the sport throughout the 70s, 80s and 90s.
Walker famously never received an honour from the Royal Family, although many feel that he should have been made ‘Sir Murray Walker’ before he passed away in 2021.
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